Sharing Yellowstone's treasures with children (ages 6 - 10)

Yellowstone has always held a special place in my heart, with its beautiful meadows, soaring mountains and awe-inspiring geysers.  Two very different non-fiction picture books introduce children to the wonders of Yellowstone.  Yellowstone Moran: Painting the American West shows what it was like for early explorers to venture into this wilderness in the 1800s, and how Thomas Moran's paintings helped capture its beauty and persuade Congress to protect it.  The Wolves Are Back shows children how reintroducing wolves restored nature's balance in the ecosystem of Yellowstone.

Yellowstone Moran: Painting the American West
by Lita Judge
NY: Viking, 2009
ages 7 - 10

Thomas Moran "had never ridden a horse, never shot a gun, and never slept in the open air," but he was determined to join Dr. Hayden's expedition to explore the land called the Yellowstone.  "Few men had explored this high wilderness.  Those who had been there told strange tales of mud volcanoes and spouting geysers at a place called Firehole Basin."  The expedition was hard work, climbing steep mountain passes on horseback, fording rushing rivers, sometimes only covering a few miles a day.  Readers will be astounded, along with Moran, at the sight of steaming hot springs, massive waterfalls, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. 

copyright Lita Judge, 2009

Moran's paintings helped to convince President Grant to designate Yellowstone as the first National Park in 1871. I particularly liked the author's note at the end which describes for young readers how she used the expedition members' journals to reconstruct the story.  Judge has recreated Moran’s style in her dramatic watercolors, and her paintings (like Moran's) will make young readers want to venture to Yellowstone themselves.  For another review of Yellowstone Moran, see The Miss Rumphius Effect.

The wolves are back
by Jean Craighead George
paintings by Wendell Minor
NY: Dutton Children's Books, 2008
ages 6 - 10

Jean Craighead George and Wendell Minor have captured the remarkable story of wolves being reintroduced to Yellowstone.  Wolves were almost hunted into extinction by the early 1900s, but in 1995 a small number of wolves were brought from Canada to Yellowstone.

As the wolf packs grow, the entire ecosystem starts to returns to its natural balance.   In one example, the young wolf pup can now hear birds singing in the meadows because the wolfs are back. George explains the relationships quite simply.  The wolves drove the elk herds higher in the hills.  With the elk gone, the valley grasses grow taller.  This allows for the return of the Vesper sparrow, which uses the grasses for food and nests.  George tells this story with just a few lines on each page.  Minor's paintings will also engage young readers, as they focus on the variety of animals in Yellowstone. Together, the words and pictures draw young readers into a deeper understanding of how ecosystems work, and fill them with an optimism that we can help nature find its balance.

Share nonfiction stories with your children.  Expand their world, introduce them to concepts, share places you'd like to visit one day.  For more great ideas, visit Wild About Nature for Nonfiction Monday.

Yellowstone Moran and The Wolves Are Back are available at your local library.  You can also find them at your local bookstore or on Amazon.  If you purchase a book from Amazon by clicking through this blog, a small percentage will go to Great Kid Books and will be used to buy more books to review.  Thank you for your support.

Sydney Taylor Book Award: A Prize for Jewish Children's and Teen Literature

Each year, I find it so helpful to see the books honored by the Sydney Taylor Book Award, an annual award given by the Association of Jewish Libraries.  In my mind, these books are of outstanding quality, are heart-felt and moving, and authentically portray the Jewish experience.  I have just started to dig into the books that have received the award in 2010, but I wanted to share these titles with you.  I will share with you my impressions on the books I have read.

The Sydney Taylor Book Award Winner for Younger Readers:

New Year at the Pier: A Rosh Hashanah Story
by April Halprin Wayland
illustrations by Stephane Jorish
NY: Dial Books for Young Readers, 2009
ages 5 - 9

This story is full of love and warmth as it follows young Izzy as he says, "I'm sorry" to people he cares about.  Izzy and his family are getting ready for the Jewish New Year ceremony of Tashlich, when people apologize for the mistakes they made the previous year and start the new year with a clean slate.  But saying, "I'm sorry" is a hard thing to do.  This story presents a child's view on how to make atonement by saying sorry from the heart and forgiving others for their wrong doings.


Sydney Taylor Honor Books for Younger Readers:

Nachshon, Who Was Afraid to Swim: A Passover Story
by Deborah Bodin Cohen
illustrations by Jago
MN: Kar-Ben, 2009
ages 6 - 10

Benjamin and the Silver Goblet
by Jacqueline Jules
illustrations by Natascia Ugliano
MN: Kar-Ben, 2009
ages 4 - 8

Yankee at the Seder
by Elka Weber
illustrations by Adam Gustavson
CA: Tricycle Press, 2009
ages 6 - 10
Young Jacob wants more than anything to show that the South is not ready to concede defeat to the North.  But then, Myer Levy, a Jewish Yankee soldier, joins Jacob's family Passover meal.  Gathered around the seder table, the group discusses what it means to be free.  This touching, heart-felt story shows how cultural and religious connections can stretch across many boundaries. (Note: I am excited to interview artist Adam Gustavson next week - stay tuned!)

You Never Heard of Sandy Koufax?
by Jonah Winter
illustrations by Andre Carrilho
NY: Schwartz and Wade Books, 2009
ages 5 - 9
With striking illustrations, this book shows what was so amazing about pitching great Sandy Koufax.  Starting with his early years, Winter shows how Koufax learned to control his pitching, and developed to become one of the all-time greatest pitchers. 

The Sydney Taylor Book Award Winner for Older Readers:

The Importance of Wings
by Robin Friedman
MA: Charlesbridge, 2009
ages 10 - 14

Although I haven't had a chance to read The Importance of Wings yet, it is a book I am very drawn to.  I am fascinated by its cross-cultural explorations, as it follows a two young girls from different families who have both immigrated from Israel to the US in the 1980s. To be completely honest, I can remember my own futile attempts to have "wings" - and that memory captures my adolescent feelings of wanting to be "cool" and fit in with everyone else. For a wonderful review, head over to Becky's Book Reviews.

Sydney Taylor Honor Books for Older Readers:

Anne Frank: Her Life in Words and Pictures from the Archives of the Anne Frank House
by Menno Metselaar and Ruud van der Rol
translated by Arnold J. Pomerans
NY: Roaring Brook Press, 2009
ages 10 and up

A Faraway Island 
by Annika Thor
translated by Linda Schenck
NY: Delacorte Press, 2009
ages 9 - 14
This is a book I have ordered for my own 11 year old daughter.  She is interested in the Jewish experience in World War II, and this seems like a sensitive but gripping introduction, similar to Number the Stars. From the publisher: "In 1939 Sweden, two Jewish sisters wait for their parents to join them in fleeing the Nazis in Austria, but while eight-year-old Nellie settles in quickly, twelve-year-old Stephie feels stranded at the end of the world, with a foster mother who is as cold and unforgiving as the island on which they live."


The Sydney Taylor Book Award Winner for Teen Readers:

Tropical Secrets: Holocaust Refugees in Cuba
by Margarita Engle
NY: Henry Holt Book, 2009
ages 11 - 14

Young Daniel escaped Nazi Germany with nothing but his dream that he might one day be reunited with his parents.  But New York has turned away his ship full of refugees, and Daniel finds himself in Cuba.  What enfolds is a touching story of friendship between Daniel, David, an older Jew who has lived in Cuba for many years, and Paloma, a young Cuban girl who is struggling with her relationship to her father.  This novel in verse drew me into David and Paloma's world, although it wasn't as satisfying as some historical fiction.  For a full review, see Betsy Bird's Fuse #8.


Sydney Taylor Honor Books for Teen Readers:

Lost
by Jacqueline Davies
NY: Marshall Cavendish, 2009
ages 12 - 15

Naomi’s Song
by Selma Kritzer Silverberg
Jewish Publication Society
ages 12 - 15

The Sydney Taylor Book Award is presented annually to outstanding books for children and teens that authentically portray the Jewish experience. Presented by the Association of Jewish Libraries (AJL) since 1968, the Award encourages the publication and widespread use of quality Judaic literature. Gold medals are presented in three categories: Younger Readers, Older Readers, and Teen Readers. Honor Books are awarded silver medals, and Notable Books are named in each category.

Rain Stomper, by Addie Boswell (ages 4 - 10)

Winter brings rain to California, lots of it this year.  We know that it's a good thing - we certainly need to replenish our dwindling water supplies.  But endless days of rain can dampen everyone's spirits.  If you need cheering up, check out Rain Stomper, a book full of energy and optimism as one girl shows us that the parade will go on, rain or shine!

Rain Stomper
by Addie Boswell
illustrations by Eric Velasquez
NY: Marshall Cavendish Children's Books, 2008
ages 4 -10

Jazmin was so excited - she was all set to twirl her baton in the big neighborhood parade.  Everyone would dance and celebrate together.  But then, the clouds started rolling in.  Would her special day be ruined? 

This book combines wonderful poetry and pictures.  The text is vibrant, coming alive with images and descriptions - it works wonderfully as a read aloud. And the pictures make you feel Jazmin's full range of emotions.  It's fun to read, but it is also rich and full of possibilities for engaging in interesting conversations about what makes it work so well.  Take a look at Boswell's descriptive writing:

Jazmin threw open her front door.
Wind whistled through her hair.
Thunder rumbled the ground.
The sun scuttled behind the clouds.
The sky twisted into a thick, black coil.

SLAP
Clatter, clatter
SLAP!
The rain poured down in buckets.
BOOM
walla BOOM
BOOM!
Thunder rattled the bricks in the walls.

(c) Addie Kay Boswell

But the story doesn't stop with the rain storm.  Jazmin didn't let the storm get her down.  She decided to go out anyway, stomping, jumping and kicking in the rain.  Kids came out of their houses to watch Jazmin as she splashed, spun and jumped, and her energy and optimism drawing them into the parade.  Velasquez's illustrations are dynamic as they show Jazmin's energy and all the kids as they all splashed, banged, bashed, and clattered on the sidewalk. To see more of the pictures, visit Velasquez's website.

A wide range of kids will enjoy and appreciate this book.  Young children will love the sounds of the book and want to go out and stomp in puddles themselves.  Students in first through third grades may enjoy trying to put sounds in their poetry to add action and drama.  Older students will be able to identify some of the poetic devices, especially the onomatopoeia such as "the wind whistled through her hair."  I also love how this book shows a character working to solve her problems, taking action and doing something to turn a bad day into a great one.

Get your rain boots on and don't let the storm clouds get you down.  I'm sure there are some puddles you can stomp in together!

The review copy came from my local public library.  Find a copy at your local library using WorldCat.org or ask for it at your local bookstore.  If you order through to Amazon using these links, a small commission will go to Great Kid Books.  Thank you for your support.

Play with your food? Play with your books!

Did your parents tell you to stop playing with your food? Mine sure did.  Well, I'm here to tell you, to beg you, "Play with your books!"

The best story I heard all week came from a father who loves to play with his toddler son when they read stories.  His son's favorite story is How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight?, but they don't just read this story together.  This dad makes the toy dinosaur read the story, and the little guy just eats it up.  "Dinosaur has to read tonight!" is the little boy's nightly request.  So, here's a post about playing with your books.  Make reading fun, laugh together, love books and spending happy time together.

How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight?
by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague
NY: Blue Sky Press, 2000
ages 2 - 5

This story just begs to be played with.  Enormous, playful dinosaurs demand the works as their parents try to put them to bed. How does a dinosaur act when Papa comes in to say it's bedtime? "Does he slam his tail and pout? Does he throw his teddy bear all about?" Young children can tell the whole story from Teague's expressive paintings, and that's part of the charm of why this works so well with preschoolers.  They can take part in this book on their own terms, reading it in their own way.  It also works so well because kids this age are just starting to play with humor.  And they get the joke of how outlandish these "baby" dinosaurs are acting.

Big Fun! Adventures of Meno (Book 1)
Wet Friend! Adventures of Meno (Book 2)
by Tony & Angela DiTerlizzi
NY: Simon and Schuster, 2009
ages 2-5

This simple, sweet book for toddlers and early readers is our kindergartner's current favorite book. But in order to really enjoy it, you have to get goofy and play with it.  So, try putting on your silliest voice, a little high and nasal, and say,

GREETINGS EARTHLINGS!
I AM MENO. ELF OF SPACE,
HERE TO VISIT HUMAN RACE!

Meno begins his day by finding his best friend, Yamagoo.  Next comes breakfast, aka “sunshine snack,” with “moo juice” (milk) and “dough with hole” (doughnuts).  Then it's time for a “Big Fun.”  I'll keep it a surprise, but needless to say, big fun has all my children in giggles.  Tony DiTerlizzi, best known for the Spiderwick Chronicles, created this series with his wife, Angela.  It came from their love of Little Golden Books, old Fischer-Price toys, and vintage cereal boxes. But most of all, it was inspired by their "silly, sweet two year old daughter who delights in lots of imaginative read-alouds and bedtime stories" (http://planetmeno.com). You can go to the Planet Meno website to read the second book and get a sense of the art and story.

Best of all, the Adventures of Meno work great as both first books for toddlers and as early readers for kindergartners.  Both groups love the simplicity, the mild potty humor (just a little tooting), and the simple vocabulary. And I love any book that has my children in giggles!

The review copy of the Adventures of Meno was kindly sent by the publisher.  How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night? came from our home collection.  You can find many of the How Do Dinosaurs... books at your local library using WorldCat.  Big Fun! is in some local libraries, and can be found on WorldCat.  These books can also be found at local bookstores and on Amazon.  Please note, if you click through to Amazon using these links, a small commission goes toward Great Kid Books and will be used to buy more books to review.

Award winners all around

Everyone loves a contest - the competition is exciting, and a lot of buzz is created. This week, the American Library Association announced their award winners - for the Newbery Medal, the Caldecott Medal, and many others.  Contests are great for highlighting wonderful books from a vast field. But in order to be meaningful, you need to know what books will appeal to your child.  Instead of going through each award, I'd like to highlight some of the awards that will have appeal to different age groups, starting with the youngest first.

Little kids loving books: preschoolers and kindergartners


The Lion and the Mouse, by Jerry Pinkney - this is a truly amazing, nearly wordless picture book that retells Aesop's fable where the mouse saves the lion from the hunter's trap. It mesmorized our kindergarten class - they were completely silent (!) as they watched the pictures unfold the story. This is the first time an individual African American has won the Caldecott Medal, and is well deserved by Pinkney. Winner of the 2010 Caldecott Medal.

My People, by Langston Hughes, illustrated by Charles R. Smith, Jr. - this poem is gracefully simple as it celebrates the spirit and beauty of African-American people. Each page pairs a short phrase with a portrait of one or more African-Americans.  Little children will be drawn in by these photographs full of emotion and life.  Winner of the 2010 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award.

All the World, by Liz Scanlon, and illustrated by Marla Frazee - this is a delightful book as it transports readers all over a young person's world.  I love the way it zooms into the small scenes of a young child's life, following a busy day with their family from the beach, to home, to a family gathering at night.  The illustrations are radiant as they show the every day magic in the child's life. 2010 Caldecott Honor Book.


Beginning to read: kindergarten and 1st grade

Benny and Penny in the Big No-No, written and illustrated by Geoffrey Hayes - my kindergartner just loves this book!  It is a graphic novel, written especially for beginning readers.  It's sweet, funny and resonates with kids - a perfect combination.  Winner of the 2010 Geisel Award for beginning readers. (see my review)


I Spy Fly Guy! written and illustrated by Tedd Arnold - this series is very popular at our school, and this newest installment is very funny.  When Fly Guy and Buzz play hide-and-seek, Fly Guy hides in his favorite place--the garbage can. But as Buzz finishes counting, the garbageman drives away with the garbage and Fly Guy, too! 2010 Geisel Honor Book for beginning readers.


2nd and 3rd graders: moving into reading

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, by Grace Lin - This is a wonderful, magical tale - absolutely enchanting.  I can't wait to read this aloud with my 3rd grader.  Minli goes on a quest to find the Old Man in the Moon who can tell her the answer to her most pressing question - how to make her parents' life easier and better.  It is a classic quest, but Chinese folk tales are woven throughout Minli's tale in a very unique way.  This is a perfect book to read aloud with 2nd and 3rd graders.  2010 Newbery Honor Book.

Red Sings from Treetops: A Year in Colors, written by Joyce Sidman, illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski - although the illustrations and topic will appeal to a wide range of children, I think these poems are perfect for children who are moving into reading and writing more fluently.  Sidman's poetry is full of strong imagery and action.  Describing a hummingbird in summer, she writes: "Red darts, jags, / hovers; / a blur of wings, / a sequined throat."  2010 Caldecott Honor Book.


Older elementary students: 4th and 5th grades

Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U. S. Marshal, by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson - I can't wait to read this story, and I know the students at our school will eat it up.  From the Booklist review: "Young readers first see outlaw Jim Webb bursting through a glass window; then lawman Bass Reeves' eye sighting down the barrel of his Winchester rifle. After that, kids will have no trouble loping into this picture-book biography."  Winner of the 2010 Coretta Scott King Author Award.

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate, by Jacqueline Kelly - This story is for children who are fascinated by science and observations, but it does not have a lot of action.  It's a wonderful story for the right kid.  I did not love it, but a good friend adored reading it aloud with his daughter in 5th grade.  2010 Newbery Honor Book.

Perfect for the tweens in your life: 5th and 6th grades

When You Reach Me, by Rebecca Stead - I am thrilled with winner for the 2010 Newbery Medal.  This is a wonderful book about friendship, mysterious notes, and having your world turned upside down in 6th grade.  Add to that a touch of time travel, and you have a mystery that you want to read again and again.  As I talked with friends more and more about this book, I was impressed by how Stead understood the emotional rollercoaster of 6th grade, and how she created a complex but accessible novel.  This is certainly a book that many 5th and 6th graders will love. (my review)

Return to Sender, by Julia Alvarez - I have not read this, but am on my way to the library tomorrow to check it out! In this novel, Tyler is a sixth-grade boy on a Vermont farm who befriends Mari, the daughter of undocumented Mexican workers. Alvarez tells this tale from both sides, using the voices of Tyler and Mari. Tyler's father was hurt in a farm accident, and the family must adjust to having more help on the farm. Mari was born in Mexico and now lives in a trailer as her dad and uncle work on Tyler's family farm. I think 5th and 6th graders will like hearing this story from the point of view of two different characters who are struggling with large and small issues in their lives.  Winner of the 2010 Pura Belpre Author Award.

These books are available at libraries near you, and many bookstores.  If you follow the links to Amazon here, a small percentage will go toward Great Kid Books.  Thank you for your support!

Welcome to Poetry Friday!

Welcome to Poetry Friday, a weekly event hosted by the Kidlitosphere online community.  Below you'll find a wonderful treasure of resources to share great poety with children.  I also have a review of an inspirational poetic picture book, Our Children Can Soar.  My review of this books follows. 

I would like to encourage everyone to check out the 2009 Cybils Poetry Finalists.  The Cybils awards are given each year by the online kidlit blogging community.  They are given to books that have both excellent literary merit and outstanding kid appeal. They're a terrific bunch of books, well worth seeking out.  The finalists are:

African Acrostics: A Word in Edgeways
written by Avis Harley
with photographs by Deborah Noyes
Candlewick Press
Nominated by: Becky

The Bill Martin Jr Big Book of Poetry
by Bill Martin Jr. and Michael Sampson
Simon & Schuster
Nominated by: Brie

The Monsterologist: A Memoir in Rhyme
by Bobbi Katz, illustrated by Adam McCauley
Sterling Publishing
Nominated by: Jennifer Donovan

Red Sings from Treetops: A Year in Colors
by Joyce Sidman, illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski
Houghton Mifflin
Nominated by: Elizabeth Bird

The Tree That Time Built: A Celebration of Nature, Science, and Imagination
by Mary Ann Hoberman and Linda Winston, illustrated by Barbara Fortin
Jabberwocky/Sourcebooks
Nominated by: Mary Ann Scheuer

As we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. this weekend, I would like to highlight the inspirational book Our Children Can Soar: A Celebration of Rosa, Barack, and the Pioneers of Change.  Thirteen leading African American artists collaborated to honor the achievements of African Americans, paying tribute to 10 individuals, including George Washington Carver, Ruby Bridges, and Jackie Robinson.  These individual's accomplishments are shown linked together, in a way part of a seamless continuum building on one another.  The illustrations are each in a different style, recognizing the unique work of each artist.  For more on what it meant to the artists, see Jules' interviews at Seven Impossible Things. 

Our Children Can Soar is certainly striking for its illustrations (striking is an understatement - amazing, is more like it), but the poetic text also lends to its power.  The simple patterned text is so effective because it repeats the central mantra that each of these figures did what they did so that their children could stand on their shoulders. 

Rosa sat so
Martin could march.
Martin marched so
Thurgood could rule
Thurgood ruled so
Barack could run.
Barack ran so
Our children can soar!

As Doret wrote at The Happy Nappy Bookseller, "It takes the reader through the cumulative story of the US Civil Rights Movement, expanding the popular slogan beyond these three heroes to include more key players in the struggle for equality. Spare prose and vivid imagery make this a truly moving and accessible picture book to be savored by readers of all ages."

You can find Our Children Can Soar at a local public library with WorldCat.  I would love feedback to see if this link helps you find this at a library near you.  It is also available in bookstores and Amazon.


We have many new reviews and poems to share today.  If you have a review, please leave a comment and link below or email me at greatkidbooks (at) gmail.com.  I will update these throughout the day.

Charles Ghigna shares an original poem, "A Poem Is A Metaphor" on his Father Goose blog.

Bookie Woogie reviewed The Cuckoo's Haiku, and the Z-Kids were inspired to write some great bird haiku of their own.

Greg has a new poem about "firsts" to share on Gotta Book inspired by the poetry stretch at The Miss Rumphius Effect.

Susan Taylor Brown has a poem, "First Kiss", also inspired by the poetry stretch at The Miss Rumphius Effect.

Carol shares a a Martin Luther King poem called "Standing Tall" by Jamie McKenzie.

Laura Salas shares a poem by Mary Oliver called "The Swan."

Playing by the Book shares a review of All Join In, a collection of poetry and illustrations by Quentin Blake.

Mandy reviews a professional book, Playing with Poems, at Enjoy and Embrace Learning.

At Random Noodling Diane Mayr remembers those who have died in Haiti with Dylan Thomas's "And Death Shall Have No Dominion."

Kurious Kitty has a poem, "Pebble," from The Poetry of Our World: An International Anthology of Contemporary Poetry.

At Write Time, Linda shares a poem by Lyn Lifshin called "The Other Fathers".

Deo Writer shares an original poem about trembling firsts, also inspired by Tricia's poetry stretch.

Sara at Read Write Believe has an entry is about keeping a commonplace book, which enables "wits with short memories" to keep poetry and other important things close.

Karen Edmisten shares a poem by Jane Kenyon, "Briefly It Enters, Briefly Speaks".

Jone at Check It Out: Life in a K5 Library School Setting celebrates William Stafford's birthday with one of her favorite poems: "The Trouble with Reading".

Irene Latham celebratres her 500th post with "To a Skylark" by Percy Bysshe Shelley found on page 500 of the book she'd want with heron a deserted island: The Top 500 Poems, edited by William Harmon. Hearty congratulations for 500 posts!

ShelfElf reminds us that hope matters so much, especially this week, sharing the poem "“Hope” is the thing with feathers" by Emily Dickinson.

Jeannine Atkins writes about how Margarita Engle blends poetry and verse with her novels-in-verse.

Brian Jung, aka Mr. Chompchomp, shares one of his favorite poems for January, "These" by William Carlos Williams, found on PoemHunter.  As he writes, it seems especially fitting right now as we face "desolate, dark weeks / when nature in its barrenness / equals the stupidity of man"

Martha Calderaro also shares a poem that helps her reflect about the tragic earthquake in Haiti.  She shares Marilyn Singer’s poem “Wells” from her collection How to Cross a Pond: Poems about Water

Welcome to Kathy B at Forwords Books - this is her first Poetry Friday.  She is recommending several books for for Tu B'Shevat, the Jewish birthday of the trees, including a Cybils finalist: The Tree That Time Built.

At Becky's Book Reviews, Becky is sharing a speech from Julius Cesear by William Shakespeare from Manga Shakespeare's edition of Julius Caesar.

At Wild Rose Reader, Elaine Magliaro shares "Mouse: An Original Acrostic Poem".  Over at Blue Rose Girls, Elaine also also shares "Winter Dusk," by Walter de la Mare.

At Bildungsroman, Little Willow has posted an Emily Dickinson poem: "The pedigree of honey."

Tiel Aisha Ansari shares an original poem this week about Haiti.

Over at The Miss Rumphius Effect, Tricia shares a poem by Stephen Edgar that she hasn't been able to get out of her mind: "Nocturnal"

Lisa in Little Rock shares a Joyce Sidman poem, "Spelling Bomb" from This is Just to Say; Poems of Apology and Forgiveness.

At Here in the Bonny Glen, Melissa Wiley has a post about Rilke, with an excerpt of “The First Elegy,” from The Duino Elegies.


At Writing and Ruminating, Kelly Fineman has written a post about Marmion by Sir Walter Scott.

At Semicolon, Sherry has a poem called "Christ in the Universe" by Alice Meynell.


Kelly Polark has a limerick and a word game to share.

Miss Erin is sharing an original poem called "i see invisible magicians."

Doraine Bennett has posted a poem from Emily Dickinson today,

At A Year of Reading, Mary Lee has sent a poem about making mistakes by Fleur Adcock.

That's all, folks. Thanks so much for sharing great poetry.

Please note: if you click on the Amazon links for the Cybils finalists, the Amazon Associate links will contribute a small percentage toward the Cybils organization.  If you click on a link on my review, a small percentage will go toward Great Kid Books.