poetry

Tag: poetry

June 11, 2022 by Betsy Bird

Review of the Day: Book of Questions / Libro de las Preguntas by Pablo Neruda, ill. Paloma Valdivia

A bilingual production, the book is as physically beautiful as it is mentally engaging. For the know-it-alls amongst us, turns out Mr. Neruda still has something to teach us, young and old.

May 6, 2022 by Betsy Bird

Review of the Day – Star Child: A Biographical Constellation of Octavia Estelle Butler by Ibi Zoboi

With care, grace, and not a little cleverness, Zoboi doesn’t just introduce Butler to kids in the book Star Child. She makes it very clear from the get go that young Octavia was one of us. A supremely relatable person with a drive and output that far outstripped her times.

February 11, 2022 by Betsy Bird

Review of the Day: Marshmallow Clouds by Ted Kooser & Connie Wanek, ill. Richard Jones

Marshmallow Clouds is one of those books that works so effectively for young readers that it feels as though the co-authors (co-poets?) had been honing their talents for kids, specifically, for years. One of those books that will subtly coil its way around your heart, even as you obliviously flip page after page after page.

31 Days, 31 Lists: 2021 Poetry for Kids

December 17, 2021 by Betsy Bird

Oh poetry, you funny little beast, you. Here are the titles that made my little poetry lovin' heart go pitta-pat this year. Hopefully they'll do the same for yours.

Review of the Day – The 1619 Project: Born on the Water by Nikole Hannah-Jones & Renée Watson, ill. Nikkolas Smith

August 27, 2021 by Betsy Bird

“Their story does not begin with whips and chains”. Today I review a marvelous testament to not just the power of reclaiming your own story, but the story of your ancestors as well.

2021 Poetry: Versification for the Masses

July 6, 2021 by Betsy Bird

Today's list is not particularly long, but it's a fun encapsulation of some of the Can't Miss Poetry of 2021. Take a gander and then read 'em up for yourselves.

31 Days, 31 Lists: 2020 Children’s Poetry

December 16, 2020 by Betsy Bird

Here is my list of some of the best, brightest, loveliest poetry of 2020. Do not let these books escape your notice! They are best read every month of the year (and not just April!). An ode to the 811s . . .

Review of the Day: I Wish by Toon Tellegen, ill. Ingrid Godon, translated by David Colmer

September 17, 2020 by Betsy Bird

I Wish isn’t going to sit quietly in a category. It’s the kind of book that would rather wander off and make up its own categories, expecting you to follow dutifully behind. And you will, because it is strange and wonderful and ultimately very very memorable. Can many other books out there say half as much?

Review of the Day: A Little Called Pauline by Gertrude Stein with Bianca Stone

February 29, 2020 by Betsy Bird

I’ve no doubt that there will be plenty of folks out there that take one look at its simple cover, flip through, scoff, and set it down. More fool they. If you want a book that gives your children raw, unblemished poetry in a form they CAN’T understand and love NOT understanding, this is the book for them.