It’s getting closer to the date when Coral Rumble‘s new book, Riding a Lion (Troika) will be out; it will be excellent, and you can pre-order it here.
Tag: Children’s Poets
Funny Poem a Day: Cosy by Jonathan Humble
Lola doesn’t often wear a hat. But when she does, I think you will agree, she does it with aplomb. This is her in piratical mood. Today’s poem is about a hat. Or is it? It’s by Jonathan Humble, thank you Jonathan!
Joke:
What did the tie say to the hat?
¡punoɹɐ ƃuɐɥ ll,I ‘pɐǝɥ ɐ uo oƃ noʎ
Here is Jonathan’s lovely dog, Arthur, just after eating a biscuit!
A Poem or Two from Gerard Benson
Today was Gerard Benson’s birthday and as usual I am posting a couple of films of him reading his poems – not that I ever saw him reading a poem, he knew them all off by heart, and hundreds of other poems besides! Gerard was a wonderful poet, a great friend, a lovely man. One of these is funny – and today’s funny poem is the next post down! This is my favourite:
And here is a funny one…
Coral Rumble; My Favourite Poetry Books
Here is the second in the series where I’m asking children’s poets what their favourite poetry books are – they must choose one of their own, and they can if they wish choose a book of poems for adults, too. This week, it’s Coral Rumble!
I could list so many books, so I’ve decided to avoid listing any by my personal friends, as I wouldn’t be able to stop! (Not just because they’re my friends, but because they’re all ridiculously talented.) Instead, I’ve thought further afield and back in time; it’s been quite a journey!
I Am the Seed That Grew the Tree (Nosy Crow) Ed Fiona Waters
Hooray, hooray! In 2018 something unusual happened. A publisher spent a lot of money on producing a poetry book that was beautiful and inviting. With full colour illustrations throughout, the richness of text is matched by the extravagance of visual interpretation. What a breath of fresh air! Bravo Nosy Crow!
The Magic Box (Macmillan) Kit Wright
Okay, this might seem a blast from the past, but we’re only travelling back to 2010. Are there many schools where children have not been inspired to write their own version of the famous title poem? Playful language, a light touch, totally delightful.
Grandad’s Tree (Barefoot Books) Ed. Jill Bennett
First published in 2003, this book is bold in its treatment of sad subjects that children need to talk about. With poems from the likes of Grace Nichols, Berlie Doherty and Carl Sandburg, you know you’re in for a treat. ‘Always Remembering Eloise’ by Lindsay MacRae renders me speechless.
The Utter Nutters (Puffin) Brian Patten
I’m going to take you back a little further in time. In 1994 this fantastic collection of Brian’s poems delighted more visual learners, who responded to text and illustration working together. I remain still as fond of this innovative book based on the various wacky neighbours all living on one imagined street.
Something Big Has Been Here (HarperCollins) Jack Prelutsky
We’re still time travelling, this time back to 1990. I love Jack Prelutsky! He’s such a master of scansion; there are no untidy ends to tie. I want to skip through the pages of this book, not in the sense of haste, but in the sense of spirit.
When We Were Very Young (Methuen) A.A. Milne
First published in 1924! I’m not just being sentimental, I just love this book, containing classics like ‘Halfway Down’ and ‘Buckingham Palace’. It’s where my love of words started. On top of that, it’s full of wonderful illustrations by E.H. Shepherd!
And my own book?
Riding a Lion (Troika Books) Coral Rumble
Well, it’s kind of back to the future now, because this book doesn’t yet exist! I think most poets feel that their latest work is their best, and I’m very excited about this collection. Anyway, you can never start marketing too early!
Poetry Society’s Young Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award now Open!
The Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award is now open! This year’s judges are Raymond Antrobus and Jackie Kay.
This is free to enter to anyone in the world aged 11-17 years. Deadline 31 July 2019.
Details here.
Chrissie Gittins asks, Are Children Ever Too Young for Poetry?
Chrissie Gittins is an award-winning poetry writer for children and adults, and also writes short stories and plays. Her poems have been widely anthologised and animated for Poetry Pie and CBeebies on TV. Not only has she been visiting schools as a poet for over 20 years, she has written 5 children’s poetry collections. Now You See Me, Now You…, illustrated by Gunnlavg Moen, and I Don’t Want an Avocado, illustrated by Kev Adamson, were shortlisted for the CLPE Poetry Award. Her latest book is Adder, Bluebell, Lobster, illustrated by Paul Bommer. Her website is here.
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Are Children Ever Too Young For Poetry?
I live next door to twins – Billie and Milo. When they were three years old I discovered that Billie called her dollies Baby Door and Baby Floor. This begged for a poem. I wrote ‘Billie’s Dollies’ and took a copy next door to show her. The family had visitors and I was asked to read/perform the poem to them all. There was much laughter.
Milo also wanted a poem. He is mad about leaf blowers and asked if I would write a poem about a leaf blower, which I did. Their parents framed both poems and hung them on the wall in their bedroom. Just before they got into bed they would say the poems together. Before they could read them they would run their fingers along the lines as they remembered them. They enjoyed the rhymes and could pick out their names and recognise repeated words. After their parents left the room they would say the lines to each other.
I’m so pleased that I contributed in a small way to the twins learning to read, and to their enjoyment of poetry.
‘Milo the Leaf Blower’ will appear in the anthology ‘Poems Out Loud’ published by Penguin in September 2019.
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Billie’s Dollies
Billie has two dollies,
Each dolly has a name,
One dolly is called Baby Door,
The other one’s called Baby Floor.
Billie throws Baby Floor to the ceiling,
Then she pushes Baby Door to the wall,
They all look out of the window,
Then Billie shouts ‘More! More! More!’
They all go into the garden,
Where the dollies are planted in soil,
Soon the two beautiful dollies,
Become Four! Four! Four!
© Chrissie Gittins
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Milo The Leaf Blower
Milo is a Leaf Blower,
He blows every single leaf,
They spin and twirl and hit the ground –
He catches three leaves in his teeth.
The golden leaves lie in a pile,
They cover Milo’s nose,
No matter how much Milo blows –
They pile up on his toes.
Milo blows and blows the leaves,
The orange and the red,
But if the wind blows North to West –
They pile up on his head!
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© Chrissie Gittins
Poetry Zone – a Celebration of 20 years of Children’s Poetry!
Last night in London, in the setting of the CLPE‘s wonderful library, was the FABULOUS party to mark the 20th anniversary of PoetryZone, the website started by the wonderful poet Roger Stevens, and the publishing of the excellent book above by way of celebration.
PoetryZone has supported and encouraged many generations of children in their poetry by giving them arena to post their poems, see them published, and get feedback – it is a wonderful resource for young poets everywhere; it has had more than a MILLION visitors in its 20 years on the web!.
PoetryZone, a Celebration of 20 Years of Children’s Poetry, is published by Troika, and is chock-full of Roger’s favourite poems by a number of top children’s poets – and also some mind-blowing poems by some of the 30,000 children who have had their work published on the PoetryZone website.
The night was a happy mix of lovely children’s poets (a whole boatload of whom turned up to help celebrate and honour Roger) and poetry, with readings from the poets present, including me, Sue Hardy-Dawson, Laura Mucha, James Carter, Andrea Shavick, Trevor Parsons, Coral Rumble, Celia Warren, John Agard, and of course, Roger himself.
A very lovely evening indeed.
A Folly of Poets…
Here are the out-takes and boo-boos and some of the fun takes from a group of children’s poets who met earlier in the year to make some poetry films and do a poetry performance…
I give you, A FOLLY OF POETS, Ed Boxall, Liz Brownlee, Jan Dean, John Dougherty, Sue Hardy-Dawson, Trevor Millum, Eric Ode, Andrea Shavick, Roger Stevens, Philip Waddell, Celia Warren, and Bernard Young.
All the above poets have websites where the actual poem performance might or might not appear… but I can tell you, mine, Back in the Future, is on my site, here!
Teachers!
Do you want to enthuse your pupils with a love of words and give them ways of expressing themselves and extend their vocabulary at the same time as giving them a fabulously entertaining day?
There is one way to do this – invite a poet in to your school to read, perform, excite, enthuse, inspire and do workshops with them!
In the tabs at the top of the site is an A-Z of poets working in schools. Most are working in this country. Have a look! There may be one near you… including me!
COMPETITION NOW OPEN!!! #AtoZChallenge #AtoZChallenge
Hidden in the A-Z of Children’s Poets there are FOUR poets who don’t exist – their names are the anagrams of real poets on the list, each of whom have written a false bio and a poem for their alter-ego! Guess all four and you stand a chance of winning Apes to Zebras, An A-Z of Shape Poems by Liz Brownlee, Sue Hardy-Dawson and Roger Stevens.
To read through the entries more easily you can access them at the top of the page under the tab: A-Z List of Children’s Poets.
It’s now the end of the A-Z send and time to send your entries to poetryfunfactory @ gmail.com. Include your name, the answers, email address and U.K. address. The competition closes on 12 May. Judgement is final. The winner will be informed by email and the result posted here.
#AtoZChallenge Competition! #AtoZChallenge
Only a few more days left of the A-Z of Children’s Poets – have you spotted any imposter poets yet? Hidden in the A-Z of Best Children’s Poets there are FOUR poets who don’t exist – their names are the anagrams of real poets on the list, each of whom have written a false bio and a poem for their alter-ego!
Guess all four and you stand a chance of winning Apes to Zebras, An A-Z of Shape Poems by Liz Brownlee, Sue Hardy-Dawson and Roger Stevens. Have a read through of the entries and see who you think they are and then follow the instructions below! Good Luck!
At the end of the A-Z send your entries to poetryfunfactory @ gmail.com. Include your name, the answers, email address and U.K. address. The competition closes on 12 May. Judgement is final. The winner will be informed by email and the result posted here.
E is for American Children’s Poet David Elliott, #AtoZChallenge #ZtoA
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David Elliott
David Elliott is an award-winning author of many picture books and novels for young people, the poetry series On the Farm, In the Wild, and In the Sea, illustrated by Holly Meade, On the Wing illustrated by Becca Stadtlander; and the author of the critically acclaimed BULL, a YA novel in verse retelling the story of Theseus and the Minotaur. His most recent poetry picture book In the Past, illustrated by Matthew Trueman, chronicles life on earth from the Cambrian to the present geologic era, the Quaternary. The delightful In the Past can be bought here. David’s website is here.
This is one of his gorgeous animal poems, which will be in a forthcoming book called IN THE WOODS from Candlewick Press; illustrated by Rob Dunlavey.
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The OPPOSSUM
Your rattish snout, your naked tail
dragging on the woodland trail:
you’re not a classic beauty.
You bump along the woodland track
your babies clinging to your back:
there’s beauty, too, in duty.
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© David Elliott
Click on the title of the post if you are on the home page to be taken to the post’s page where you will be able to comment! Thank you!
You can hear more about children’s poets and poetry, if you follow The Children’s Poetry Summit, @kidspoetsummit on Twitter
#AtoZChallenge Competition!
Hidden in the A-Z of Best Children’s Poets there are FOUR poets who don’t exist – their names are the anagrams of real poets on the list, each of whom have written a false bio and a poem for their alter-ego! Guess all four and you stand a chance of winning Apes to Zebras, An A-Z of Shape Poems by Liz Brownlee, Sue Hardy-Dawson and Roger Stevens.
At the end of the A-Z send your entries to poetryfunfactory @ gmail.com. Include your name, the answers, email address and U.K. address. The competition closes on 12 May. Judgement is final. The winner will be informed by email and the result posted here.
AtoZ Poetry Competition! #AtoZChallenge
Hidden in the A-Z of Best Children’s Poets there are FOUR poets who don’t exist – their names are the anagrams of real poets on the list, each of whom have written a false bio and a poem for their alter-ego! Guess all four and you stand a chance of winning Apes to Zebras, An A-Z of Shape Poems by Liz Brownlee, Sue Hardy-Dawson and Roger Stevens.
At the end of the A-Z send your entries to poetryfunfactory @ gmail.com. Include your name, the answers, email address and U.K. address. The competition closes on 12 May. Judgement is final. The winner will be informed by email and the result posted here.
K is for Children’s Poet Jackie Kay #AtoZChallenge #ZtoA
Jackie Kay
Jackie Kay was born and brought up in Scotland. Jackie writes for adults as well as children; her children’s titles include Strawgirl (Macmillan) and Red Cherry Red (Bloomsbury), available here, which won the CLiPPA (CLPE Poetry Award). Alongside books, Jackie has written extensively for stage and television; her play BRINK was performed at the Royal Exchange theatre in Manchester. She is also Chancellor of the University of Salford and Professor of Creative Writing at Newcastle University. She made a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in 2002 and was awarded an MBE in 2006. More recently, in March 2016, Jackie Kay was named Scots Makar—the National Poet for Scotland. You can read more about Jackie here.
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This is her moving poem:
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My Face is a Map
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I was born with a map of Australia on my face;
it was beautiful, my mother told me –
there was nobody like me in the whole wide world
who could trace the edges of down under
on the raised and grafted song line of her face.
I was connected to the upside-down people,
to those who loved the bush and the kangaroo.
I could never smile or frown or weep
in case my special map fell off my face.
My face was pulled tight, so that nobody got lost.
I held my head steady and I held my head high.
When people gaped and gawped and gawked
I thought they were trying to find Alice Springs,
to work out where they wanted to go, where they’d been.
And when somebody stared for a very long time
I would simply ask if they’d been down under:
the hardest human heart melts when it sees a koala bear.
My words were slower than other children’s
because my map was stitched to my mouth:
every time I managed a whole sentence
I imagined a small boat floating out of Sydney harbour.
Yesterday there was talk of peeling my map off,
changing my face, so that it looks like others;
my mother said I should have a long think,
and that maybe life would be easier…
I am thinking now, staring hard into the mirror.
I trace the hard edges of the world in my face.
I know the hard stares of some people.
Without my map, will I be the same person?
Will I know where I am, where I have been?
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© Jackie Kay (From Red Cherry Red, Bloomsbury, winner of the 2008 CLiPPA award)
Click on the title of the post if you are on the home page to be taken to the post’s page where you will be able to comment! Thank you!
You can hear more about children’s poets and poetry, if you follow The Children’s Poetry Summit, @kidspoetsummit on Twitter
Poetry Roundabout 