Poetry Review – Poetry Roundabout

Poetry Review: Colin West, BattyBallads

Posted on April 1, 2023 by Liz Brownlee

I have spoken before about the delightful Colin West and his poems – his picture books, which were a favourite with my children, still remain on my shelves and will soon be available for my new grandson, when he’s old enough.

This review is about Barmy Ballads, which is his latest book. Refreshingly at odds with most poetry books today, the poems are longer, poem stories, and all take you on a ride through completely hilarious absurdity, richly and charmingly added to with details by Colin’s trade-mark style illustrations (all in colour!).

Where else would you find a poem entitled ‘Some Stuff in a Sack’? Or a tale of ‘Granny’s Green’s’, in which granny grows enormous vegetables of all descriptions on… well, I can’t tell you where, as that would spoil the ending.

My favourite poems are ‘A Crusty Loaf of Bread’, in which Winifred’s journey round a supermarket sadly echoes my own experiences, and ‘The Story of Fergus MacPherson’, whose opinion of himself is belied by one of Colin’s brilliant illustrations.

I look forward to a bit of silliness whenever I see there is a new poem on Colin’s Twitter feed – if you want to follow him he is @mooseandmouse.

If you like poems with masterful rhymes and ridiculousness, then this is the book for you!

Poetry Review

Christmas Present Poetry Review: Things That Should Be in a Poem, by Coral Rumble

Posted on December 14, 2022 by Liz Brownlee

Things That Should Be in a Poem, by Coral Rumble, Illustrated by Shih-Yu Lin, Troika Poetry

Coral is a master poet for children and it really shows in this splendid book for younger primary children.

Precise descriptions full of sound and texture and rhyme make each poem a delight – they twinkle on the page, and are delicious to read aloud.

From the day-to-day contents of every child’s life, though the surreal to the absurd, each poem is a morsel of loveliness and you could not possibly want better to enthuse children with language and creativity and depth of thought than this gorgeously illustrated (by Shih-Yu Lin) book.

I’m afraid I didn’t have a jpeg of this book, so had to take a photo, so this by no means shows how lovely the book is, but this is a sample of one of the poems.

This is a must for your primary child, it should be in every school, 5 stars!

Poetry Review

Poetry Review: The Red Ear Blows Its Nose by Robert Schechter

Posted on December 14, 2022 by Liz Brownlee

The Red Ear Blows Its Nose by Robert Schechter, Illustrated by S. Federico, World Galaxy Press (AMP)

Well now – this is a FEAST of words at play, and it is SUCH fun. I haven’t read a book of poems like this for a long time – as a child this would have been one of my favourites, I know it would.

It’s like reading poems by a mixture of Ogden Nash (a big favourite in this house, a poet also from over the pond) and Ronnie Barker, an exercise and pleasure for your brain, tongue and funny bone.

This is inventive, original, and wonderfully executed. RECOMMENDED with a lot of stars.

However, having got you all extremely excited to buy it, it sadly does not come out until 7 April 2023 – BUT you can pre-order and I suggest you do. A love of words is BOUND to come out of reading this as a child.

Poetry Review

Review: Where Do Wishes Go, by Debra Bertulis

Posted on October 20, 2022 by Liz Brownlee

Where Do Wishes Go, Debra Bertulis, Otter-Barry Books

Beautifully illustrated (as is usual with Otter-Barry Books) by Jess Mason, this is Debra Bertulis’ first book.

Where Do Wishes Go? is packed with poems on many of the themes that concern primary school children – such as the death of a grandparent, homework, moving house, and it also includes further experiences that will never be common to all – being a carer, having to move country and learn a new language.

Many of the poems in this book could be used as springboards by teachers and parents to discuss experiences in the lives of children in their care.

There is a lot of humour however – and an overall lightness to the collection that embodies the ‘feel’ of the title, and there are poems that are more whimsical, such as the poem from which the title is drawn.

Here are some examples:

Thinking Places and To Be a Tree, by Debra Bertulis, Where Do Wishes Go, Otter-Barry Books

Recommended!

Poetry Review

Review: Courage in a Poem, Poetry about Empowerment, Little Tiger.

Posted on October 20, 2022October 20, 2022 by Liz Brownlee

This lovely hardback book from Little Tiger contains relatively few poems, but those it does contain punch above their weight.

The book is BURSTING with a poetic celebration of all the things that courage brings, by a range of excellent poets, among them Naomi Shihab Nye, one of my favourites, and it also features my wonderful book writing buddies, Matt Goodfellow and Laura Mucha. The poems are all gorgeous, life-affirming and heart-warming.

It is Illustrated by four fantastic artists in colours that zing and sing from the page alongside the poems. Here are some examples:

My Sari by Debjani Chatterjee, from Courage in a Poem, Little Tiger.

Your Epic Self, by Kate Wakeling, from Courage in a Poem, Little Tiger

I did it, by Valerie Bloom (winner of CLiPPA 2022)

I heartily recommend this for reading to all youngsters – it would make a fantastic choice for the classroom as well. 5 stars!

Poetry in Education, Poetry Review, Poetry Teaching Book

Catalysts, by Pie Corbett: Review

Posted on September 4, 2022September 4, 2022 by Liz Brownlee

Pie Corbett is an excellent poet – but he is also an excellent teacher of poetry and from poetry, and is a fount of imaginative teaching ideas that WORK to help children express themselves in poetry or prose. He created the Talk for Writing approach to learning, which is widely used in UK primary schools.

This is more than a manual for teachers – it is a book full of magic and wonder, it shines with Pie’s enthusiasm for poetry, teaching and inspiring children as writers – his dedication in the front to his wife states: “We have striven to develop storytelling, creative writing, art, music and dance. Our belief is that the creative arts bring joy, enhance who we are and how we live. The arts bind us together in our common humanity, helping us to take a step out of the darkness of ourselves and let in the light.”

I don’t really need to say any more than this book really is brimful of catalysts, laid out clearly with poems, ideas, examples, and instructions that are easy to follow – which will make Pie’s own triumphs with inspiring children’s writing replicable.

It’s a book I heartily recommend – not only to teachers but to poets, and anyone wanting to be a poet. Five stars from me!

Only available here: TalkforWriting

Poetry Book Parade, Poetry Review

Review: Nutty Nonsense and Children’s Literature Festivals!

Posted on February 1, 2022February 2, 2022 by Liz Brownlee

Nutty Nonsense, poems and illustrations by Colin West, published by Poems and Pictures Limited

What do poems of nutty nonsense and children’s literature festivals have in common? They both entertain, amuse and inspire children to read, of course!

Christina Gabbitas is the amazing founder of Children’s Literature Festivals – she says: “We organise children’s literature festivals for children and families from all backgrounds, cultures and abilities in less privileged areas FREE”.

There can be no doubt that listening to or watching a real, live author perform is truly inspirational for children. There is information about the events and fund-raising to enable this important work on this Facebook page: Children’s Literature Festivals

Colin West is an exceptionally talented poet and illustrator, who has entertained children and parents for many years with his absurd wordplay and nonsense. All profits from Colin’s new book are to be donated to this excellent cause.

You will not be disappointed – the book is not only packed to the gills with daft, clever and giggle-provoking poems, it is also chock-a-block full of Colin’s charming and hilarious illustrations.

You can buy it here for £6:99 – Nutty Nonsense by Colin West, it’s out on 02/02/22 on #WorldReadAloudDay.

Here’s a sample I photographed from the book – you can read more about Colin West here.

Poetry Book Parade, Poetry Review

Review: Razzmatazz! By Roger Stevens

Posted on January 10, 2022January 10, 2022 by Liz Brownlee

Razzmatazz! The Poetry World of Roger Stevens, Illustrated by Mike Smith, Otter-Barry Books.

Roger Stevens has done a lot to light the poetry world, and his poems always brighten an anthology – he is a funny person to be with, a hilarious person as a compère of any poetry event, and it is obvious that any book full of his own poems will be fabulous fun as well. And this is – plus inventive and offbeat and quirky.

This book gives poetry writing and performance tips along the way – but the biggest tip ever on how to get poetry inspiration is to do what Roger ALWAYS does, and that is take a notebook with you everywhere. I have never seen Roger without his. Spend a day with him and there will loads of poems you might hear along the way or later, or notes for poems that will emerge, polished and edited one day.

These pages are full of Roger’s voice and I love his poems – and I also like the fact they might be hilarious or sad, thoughtful or silly – full of razzmatazz and jazz and music and laughter, but whatever they are about, they are always kind, like him.

From Razzmatazz! The Poetry World of Roger Stevens, Illustrated by Mike Smith, Otter-Barry Books

Very much recommended, wittily illustrated by Mike Smith. Five stars – and it’s out on Wednesday 12th January.

Poetry Book Parade, Poetry Review

Review: 100 Best Christmas Poems for Children, Edited by Roger McGough

Posted on January 7, 2022 by Liz Brownlee

100 Best Christmas Poems for Children, Edited by Roger McGough, Illustrated by Beatriz Castro, Macmillan.

When you are fed up with Christmas fare, you can fill up with Christmas spirit by cracking open this little book packed with festive poems. There are lovely poems in here – beautiful poems, humorous poems, gentle poems, and poems to lift the hairs on the back of your neck with their evocation of Christmassy wonder. It’s a perfect selection, charmingly illustrated by Beatriz Castro.

Here is one I love:

From 100 Best Christmas Poems for Children, Edited by Roger McGough, Illustrated by Beatriz Castro, Macmillan

Very much recommended. Five Stars.

Poetry Book Parade, Poetry Review

Review: Wonder, The Natural History Museum Poetry Book, Ana Sampson

Posted on January 7, 2022 by Liz Brownlee

Wonder, The Natural History Museum Poetry Book, Ana Sampson, Macmillan.

This is a truly delicious book of poems on the delights you can find within the cavernous chambers of The Natural History Museum, occasionally illustrated with prints from the pages of old books.

I found many poems (poems that have been given space to breathe) I have not read before. I read a lot of nature poems. Excellent poems, poems to make your mouth water, your breath seize, your mind soar, your thoughts fill with wonder. I love the choices Ana Sampson has made.

I have one poem in there and I am very proud of this. Here it is:

Blackbird, by Liz Brownlee, from Wonder, The Natural History Museum Poetry Book, Ana Sampson, Macmillan.

Definitely a book to buy – I would give it more than 5 stars if could!

Poetry Book Parade, Poetry Review

Review: When Poems Fall From the Sky, Zaro Weil

Posted on January 7, 2022January 7, 2022 by Liz Brownlee

When Poems Fall From the Sky, Zaro Weil, Illustrated by Junli Song, ZaZa Kids Books and Troika

When Poems Fall From the Sky, Zaro Weil, Illustrated by Junli Song, ZaZa Kids Books in association with Troika, and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

What do you do if you want to submerge yourself in poems about nature? Diving into a copy of this book would be a good start, and letting them rain upon you from the pages.

Water, seeds, shoots and trees, fins, feathers and fur, colours, clouds, dreams, and moonbeams, all the delights of Mother Earth wind their own words into poems, raps and plays, growing through the delightful, playful illustrations by Junli Song.

Another lovely feast for the eyes book from Zaro Weil, ZaZa Kids Books, and Troika.

Poetry Book Parade, Poetry Review

Review: The Best Ever Book of Funny Poems, Brian Moses

Posted on January 7, 2022 by Liz Brownlee

The Best Ever Book of Funny Poems, collected by Brian Moses, Macmillan.

Humour is subjective – what doubles me up (I am afraid) is anything involving an unfortunate end for the subject of the poem, but I also love it when the poem turns on its head at the end with an absurdity so surprising it makes me really laugh. There are plenty of those slipped inside the banana skin cover of this anthology collected by Brian Moses – along with clever wordplay and ridiculous poems from most of the poets you know and love. Including me.

I’m glad to say as soon as I unpeeled this book it did hit my funny bone, as that is not always the case with anthologies of funny poems.

Here’s a sample from the wonderful rhyme-master, Colin West:

Our Hippopotamus

We thought a lively pet to keep

Might be a hippopotamus.

Now see him sitting in a heap,

And notice at the bottom – us.

Colin West

Definitely one to buy if you hanker after non-stop humour! Brilliant fun.

Poetry Book Parade, Poetry Review

Review: How Many Points for a Panda by Hilda Offen

Posted on January 6, 2022 by Liz Brownlee

How Many Points for a Panda, Hilda Offen, Troika Books

How Many Points for a Panda, Poems for Everyone, Hilda Offen, Troika Books.

This tackles subjects such as what to do if you are swallowed by a whale, and other tricky subjects that must be solved by young and old alike. The book’s poems are beautifully illustrated by the poet herself.

My favourite poem in this is The Naming of Clouds:

From How Many Points for a Panda, Hilda Offen, Troika Books

A lovely book to read with young children.

Poetry Book Parade, Poetry Review

Review: Hey, Girl! Poems by Rachel Rooney

Posted on January 6, 2022January 6, 2022 by Liz Brownlee

Hey, Girl! Poems by Rachel Rooney, Illustrated by Milo Hartnell, Otter-Barry Books

This is a remarkably honest and tender look at awakening, awareness and acceptance of self as a young girl enters adolescence. Rachel’s poems often directly confront and embrace truths – and this book is a portrait of the poet herself.

The poems also explore navigating these tumultuous and confusing times as someone with autism, which will have added to the feelings of vulnerability, isolation and difference, although Rachel didn’t know of her diagnosis at the time. But the poems that touch on autism give both sides of the coin, and the whole collection also relates shadows and songs along the journey to the future.

Rachel is a stunning, exacting poet – her poems are illustrated by her equally talented son, Milo Hartnell. It adds up to a book worth getting with its message of courage to be yourself.

Break-time

Your mouth moves in synchronicity

with sounds I can hear,

some of which are recognisable,

like partyinvite and latestgossip.

And somewhere deep inside you,

invisible strings are being pulled

that make your eyes swivel,

shoulders rise, palms jerk upwards.

But even though I am holding

what I hope is an understanding half-smile

and feel satisfied with the tilt of my head,

I am thinking about that wasp in the window,

trapped amongst the stationery.

The way it alternates between

resigned torpor and active despair,

the tap of its wing against the glass.

Rachel Rooney

Highly recommended. Five stars.

*Rachel Rooney’s former CLiPPA award-winning book, The Language of Cat has also recently been republished by Otter-Barry Books – excellent for key stage 1 and 2.