A SELECTION OF 2024 POETRY AND VERSE NOVELS

Picture book poetry collections explore a variety of topics and concepts.

The phenomenon of wind as it exists around the globe is highlighted in 16 poems in Great Gusts: Winds of the World and the Science Behind Them by Melanie Crowder and Megan Benedict. Two introductory poems invite readers to ponder: “Can you ever really see the wind?” and “Can you ever really know the wind?” The following 14 poems in varying styles, rhymed and unrhymed, introduce winds with names that are not likely familiar (e.g., katabatic, oroshi, buran, ghibli, to name a few). Accompanying informational blurbs highlight how and where the featured wind originates and the way it moves. Digitally created illustrations swirl across the pages on currents of wind and set the scenes for the varying world locations. Appended matter discusses how winds are made and named, cultural poetic traditions that form the basis for some of the poems, a world map that shows where the winds presented in the text are found, a glossary, and further reading. Useful for curriculum study of weather or just to pull off the shelf on a windy day, this collection is unique and informative.

As a companion book to Great Gusts, Wind Songs: Poems about Weather by Douglas Florian is another collection from the master of word play. A comprehensive list of weather topics (plus atmosphere, climate change, meteorologist, weather instruments, weather outcomes such as drought and floods) is covered in 20 rhymed poems. Many are concrete poems (good examples of the form for students). Literary devices, such as alliteration, assonance, consonance, and repetition abound. Florian’s signature vividly colored illustrations are rendered in gouache, colored pencils, and rubber stamps on paper bags. A glossary provides additional information about each topic. Websites and further reading resources are appended. Great collection for reading aloud in a weather science unit or for pulling out individual poems on a particular weather day.

In addition to providing information about the solar system and other space objects, A Planet Is a Poem by Amanda West Lewis teaches poetry. Two introductory essays compare poems to planets. A sonnet overviews the solar system, followed by an ode to the sun and then the eight planets, each presented by a different form of poetry. Dwarf planets, the Kuiper Belt, an asteroid, and a hip-hop poem for future astronauts complete the selections. Each poem (14 in all) is on a gatefold which opens to reveal substantial scientific information about the topic and a description of the poetic form. Digitally created illustrations fill the pages in shades of blues with swashes of color. An invitation to readers to write a poem, glossary, illustration of the solar system, index, and resources are appended. As a whole, this book encourages inquiry and creativity. A good addition to the astronomy curriculum and a reference manual of sorts for types of poetry.
(Reviewed on NetGalley)

In Climbing the Volcano by Curtis Manley, a story told entirely through haiku, a family hikes up a dormant volcano. In a voice filled with awe and wonder, the young narrator describes animals, scenery, and changes in the terrain as they climb to the top where he celebrates, “I made it.” The trek down is easier, and nighttime leaves the child wondering about the next mountain he will climb. Many of the haiku do not appear as the 5-7-5 syllable pattern that readers are accustomed to seeing. Manley explains the liberties of English-language haiku in the appended information. Mixed media illustrations, created with printmaking techniques, pencil drawing, and digital collage, bring the scenes to life inviting readers along with the hikers. In the back matter, the volcano identified as South Sister in the Cascade Mountains of Oregon, is described along with an annotated list of supplies a hiker needs to bring for the journey. Thumbnail sketches of plants and animals that appear in the verse and illustrations are appended. Further information includes print and internet resources. Not many readers experience this kind of an adventure and will find it fascinating.

David L. Harrison adds to his oeuvre of animal poetry with Wild Brunch: Poems About How Creatures Eat. Divided into three sections (Swimming Eaters, Land-Based Eaters, and Flying Eaters), poems describe what 12 fairly well-known wild animals (narwhal, aardvark, koala, piranha, turkey vulture, housefly, and more) eat and how they obtain their food. Mostly unrhymed with lots of repetition, many of the poems address the animals directly. An Introduction sets the stage, and substantive informational back matter with resources adds additional interest to the details in the poems. The collection concludes with a poem about a mayfly…”Not An Eater At All.” Cut-paper illustrations on hand-painted papers set the animals in colorful backgrounds and highlight their distinguishing features.

Home, written and illustrated by Isabelle Simler, takes readers inside the homes of 27 animals that describe the location of their nests and other dwellings as told in their own words. Insects, birds, amphibians, mammals (many of them unfamiliar) in forests, mountains, deserts, and oceans are represented. Rich language includes details about materials and methods of construction of each home. Exquisite, vividly colored, digitally created double-paged illustrations in a scratchboard style complement the poem texts by providing considerable detail about the animal’s appearance and its home. Appended material includes thumbnail facts, a glossary, and sources. Packed with information about some of nature’s marvels, this book will inspire curiosity and send readers to the library or the internet to learn even more. Truly a feast for the eyes!

In another stunning collaboration, The Mighty Pollinators, Helen Frost and Rick Lieder invite young readers to explore their world and see what nature has to offer. As in their five previous books - Step Gently Out (2012), Sweep Up the Sun (2015), Among a Thousand Fireflies (2016), Wake Up! (2017) and Wait - and See (2022) - a thought-provoking rhyming poem accompanies exquisite color photographs in double-paged spreads. Several different pollinators are introduced in addition to those we typically think of (butterflies and bees). The poem texts offer explanations of ways in which ants, flies, wasps, bats, fireflies, and even the wind assist in pollination. The photos are a feast of details to ponder. Final pages discuss pollen and pollination and offer advice to readers on how to observe and help pollinators. Back endpapers contain an insert identifying the pollinators in the photos. This beautiful book is a must for science curriculum study.

The ick factor is alive and well in Lynn Brunelle’s Haiku, Ew!: Celebrating the Disgusting Side of Nature. Fourteen animals (most are familiar) and fungi are glorified on double-paged spreads that include a haiku and a “notebook” page of facts. The facts are appropriately gross for the intended reading audience (did you know that flamingos poop on their legs to keep cool?) and will elicit resounding “e-e-ews.” The accompanying realistic illustrations, hand-drawn with pencil and colored digitally, add humor to the text. Appended matter defines the haiku form and encourages readers to write their own ew haiku. Print and internet resources are imbedded in informational blurbs. This crowd-pleaser will repeatedly entertain readers with facts they will very likely share widely and perhaps send them on a journey to find even more examples of nature’s disgusting side. (Reviewed on NetGalley)

Bless Our Pets: Poems of Gratitude for Our Animal Friends, an anthology assembled by the late Lee Bennett Hopkins, praises those animals with whom we share our lives. All are familiar - dogs and cats, gerbil and hamster, snake and turtle, rabbit, guinea pig, parakeet, and more. From puppies and kittens to an old calico and memories of a cherished dog, the sentiments in 14 rhymed and unrhymed poems by well-known poets and children’s book authors are heartfelt and authentic. Realistic illustrations rendered in watercolor and colored pencil depict the pets interacting with their young owners and reflect the layers of emotion in the words. Animal lovers are going to want to hold this book close and share their own pet stories. (Reviewed on NetGalley)

The Smell of Wet Dog: And Other Dog Poems and Drawings by Barney Saltzberg will strike a familiar chord with dog owners. They will recognize all the endearing and annoying (and smelly!) behaviors highlighted in 27 poems that relate both human and canine viewpoints. With the exception of two poignant poems about an aging dog and one that is lost, the selections are humorous. Lively cadence of rhyme and repetition makes the poems ideal for reading aloud. The mostly black and white line drawings of generic dogs combined with the delightful text will elicit giggles as well as a few groans. Readers will enjoy the SURPRISE ending poem! Be prepared for many rereadings of this book. The only thing missing: a shelter dog waiting for a forever home.

In Extraordinary Magic: The Storytelling Life of Virginia Hamilton written and illustrated by Nina Crews, 16 free verse poems explore the life of the acclaimed children’s book author. Virginia Hamilton grew up in a loving, storytelling, music-playing family in Ohio. Deciding at age nine to become a writer, she kept a notebook of family “mysteries” and her own dreams, wondering where these stories would take her. A move to New York City as a young adult expanded her world, but opportunities were few. Meeting a young poet Arnold (Adoff) and rewriting a college short story into a novel (Zeely) determined the course of her life. They eventually moved to her hometown, where Virginia wrote stories inspired by what she knew best and became a “star of the writing world.” Crews’ sun-dappled digitally created illustrations (here a bit reminiscent of the art of both her parents, Donald Crews and Ann Jonas) are a warm companion to the text. An ending Author’s Note highlights Hamilton’s many accomplishments and offers the author’s intentions for writing this story. A timeline, a selected list of Hamilton’s books, and sources conclude. As an inspiration for writers and an introduction to an author that young readers will hopefully come to know as they grow older, this book is meant to be shared.

In two previous books of poems, Charles R. Smith, Jr. highlighted the accomplishments of legendary men and women basketball stars. In Hoops Kings 2: New Royalty and Hoops Queens 2, he shifts to a dozen current players of the game in each book. The hallmarks from the earlier titles remain consistent: clever use of language that focuses on what each player does best, repetition, alliteration, metaphor. The collage art utilizing action shot photographs of the players in stylized graphics are also present. The text (different forms of poetry) and art work together to show speed and finesse exhibited by the players. Fans of the game will recognize the names: Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, and others among the men; Breanna Stewart, Brittney Griner, Candace Parker, Diana Taurasi, and others among the women. Both collections conclude with “Poem Notes,” in which Smith discusses his decision-making processes in portraying each player’s movement and skill in words. A slam dunk choice for readers who think there is nothing about poetry for them. (Reviewed on Edelweiss)

 

Poetry Collections

In Eating My Words and 128 Other Poems, Brian P. Cleary has collected several poems from his “Poetry Adventures” series (Millbrook) and added more to delight readers and teach them a bit about poetry at the same time. The short poems mostly rhyme and cover a wide range of topics that will have high appeal. A variety of forms (e.g., limericks, list poems, quatrains, haiku, concrete poems, and more) are included and described on the pages. Poetic devices such as alliteration and consonance are also defined. When appropriate, rhyme schemes are identified as well. All of these extras make this collection a teaching tool as well as poetry to be enjoyed. The rhythm of the words enhances the read-aloud factor, and the humor of the text and cartoon spot art will draw readers to the poems for repeated sharing. A nice addition to the classroom language arts collection. (Reviewed on NetGalley)

In and Out the Window, more than 100 new and previously published poems by Jane Yolen, is a highly readable anthology that young people will pick up again and again. Each section is a relatable topic for readers: At Home, Animals, School, After School, Sports, Career, Calendar. Within these categories, poems have an “In” or “Out” focus. Most are short and rhyming with different poetic styles represented. Especially thought-provoking are the poems between the sections - four of them relate to the Why, How, When, Where (to Write a Poem), and “Who” (Can Write a Poem); the other two, “The Poem in Your Heart” and “If There is No Poem Today.” The collection concludes with a thank-you poem from Yolen to her readers. Sparse black and white art adorns the pages. Meant to be read aloud or alone with time to reflect, these poems are likely to inspire readers to try their hand at writing poetry. A book for all ages. (Reviewed on NetGalley)

 

Poets and such…

The famed Persian poet and storyteller is the subject of this luminous picture book biography, Rumi: Poet of Joy and Love by Rashin Kheiriyeh. The boy Rumi reveled in the beauty of the world, asked questions, and treasured stories. As a young scholar and teacher, Rumi was popular with his students. However, his friendship with an influential spiritual leader angered them, and they drove his inspirational force away. In his despair over the loss of his friend, Rumi turned to writing and found what he was ultimately looking for...the opportunity to share his stories of friendship with others. Beginning with the endpapers, sumptuous expressionistic art in vivid colors establishes the setting and bursts from the pages as flowers, birds, and people soar and dance. The book closes with a personal note by the author and a brief biography of Rumi. There are many collections of Rumi’s poetry and stories available - a logical next step after reading this biography with children is to share...and reflect upon...some of his writings.

 

Verse novels explore different people, time periods and family situations

“There was the story before we left/and the story after/but the story in between/is the part that’s the hardest” begins One Big Open Sky by Lesa Cline-Ransome. A small group of African American families, lured by the promise of land, set out from Mississippi for Nebraska in 1879. The journey is told from multiple viewpoints: Lettie, lover of numbers and words and caretaker for her two younger brothers; her apprehensive mother Sylvia, pregnant and worried about their finances; and Philomena, who joins them in Missouri on her way to her first teaching job in North Platte, Nebraska, and proves to be a blessing to the family in more ways than one. Lightened by occasional nightly music and dance, the trip is arduous...endless walking, dangerous river crossings, storms, accidental death, and illness befall the travelers. Told in vivid language, the details of the passing landscape and the emotions of the experience will stay with readers. A map of the journey is included, and a lengthy Author’s Note provides additional information. The story of Black Americans on the trails west is underrepresented in the extensive literature about the wagon trains. This gripping novel helps to fill a need.

 

Bibliography

Brunelle, Lynn. Haiku, Ew!: Celebrating the Disgusting Side of Nature.
Illus. by Julia Patton. Millbrook

Burg, Ann E. Force of Nature: A Novel of Rachel Carson. Illus. by Sophie Blackall. Scholastic

Cleary, Brian P. Eating My Words and 128 Other Poems. Millbrook

Corry, Lydia. Wildflower Emily: A Story about Young Emily Dickinson. Godwin Books

Crews, Nina. Extraordinary Magic: The Storytelling Life of Virginia Hamilton.
Christy Ottaviano/Little Brown

Crowder, Melanie and Benedict, Megan. Great Gusts: Winds of the World and the Science Behind Them. Illus. by Khoa Le. MIT/Candlewick

Elliott, David. Best in Show. Illus. by 18 different illustrators. Clarion

Fipps, Lisa. And Then, Boom!. Nancy Paulsen/Penguin

Florian, Douglas. Windsongs: Poems about Weather. Beach Lane

Frost, Helen. The Mighty Pollinators. Photos by Rick Lieder. Candlewick

Harrison, David L. Wild Brunch: Poems About How Creatures Eat. Illus. by Giles Laroche. Charlesbridge

Hopkins, Lee Bennett (Sel.). Bless Our Pets: Poems of Gratitude for Our Animal Friends.
Illus. by Lita Judge. Eerdmans

Latham, Irene and Waters, Charles. The Mistakes That Made Us: Confessions from Twenty Poets. Illus. by Mercè López. Carolrhoda/Lerner

Lewis, Amanda West. A Planet Is a Poem. Illus. by Oliver Averill. Kids Can Press

Limón, Ada. In Praise of Mystery. Illus. by Peter Sís. Norton

Lucianovic, Stephanie V.W. Hummingbird Season. Bloomsbury

Manley, Curtis. Climbing the Volcano: A Journey in Haiku. Illus. by Jennifer K. Mann.
Neal Porter/Holiday House

Nye, Naomi Shihab. Grace Notes. Greenwillow

Ransome, Lesa-Cline. One Big Open Sky. Holiday House

Rashin, Kheiriyeh. Rumi: Poet of Joy and Love. NorthSouth

Saltzberg, Barney. The Smell of Wet Dog: And Other Dog Poems and Drawings.
Neal Porter/Holiday House

Schaub, Michelle. Leafy Landmarks: Travels with Trees. Illus. by Anne Lambelet.
Sleeping Bear (see “Sketches” post for review)

Schu, John. Louder Than Hunger. Candlewick

Simler, Isabelle. (Trans. by Vineet Lal). Home. Eerdmans

Smith, Charles R., Jr. Hoop Kings 2: New Royalty. Candlewick

Smith, Charles R., Jr. Hoop Queens 2. Candlewick

Snider, Grant. Poetry Comics. Chronicle

Thompson, Holly. Listening to Trees: George Nakashima, Woodworker.
Illus. by Toshiki Nakamura. Neal Porter/Holiday House

Weatherford, Carole Boston. Outspoken: Paul Robeson, Ahead of His Time: A One-Man Show. Illus. by Eric Velasquez. Candlewick

Yolen, Jane. In and Out the Window. Illus. by Cathrin Peterslund. Philomel