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Exploration, nature study, poetry, and creative writing are all a part of this story with brief text (all in haiku) as a family goes camping then hikes a mountain in Oregon. The adventure is interesting enough to make readers want to embark on a hike of their own! Excellent information about plant and animal life, camping, and writing haiku is included at the end of the book. Plan on using this book as a model for a family writing and drawing activity: everyone can write haiku and provide illustrations after a trip to Garden of the Gods, a county park, or another outdoor adventure. Writing Poetry; Observation Skills; Nature Study |
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This brief poem, written by United States Poet Laureate Limón, is engraved on NASA's Europa Clipper, a spacecraft on a mission to Jupiter’s second moon to study conditions that could support life. The text has been beautifully illustrated and expanded upon by award-winning artist, Peter Sís. Share the book, then read the poem without the illustrations. Discuss how both words and art can carry ideas. Which is more impactful to you? Challenge your students to write a space-going poem. Space Exploration; Poetry; Art |
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Filled with enchanting animal characters and tons of energy, this unusual book showcases a variety of poetic forms along with a perhaps nostalgic look at old-time vinyls. The author explains (tongue-in-cheek) that these song lyrics have been taken from albums created by animal musicians from the 1940s to the 1980s. Arranged from a to z, the songs represent a variety of musical genres (from opera to zydeco) and are paired with colorful album covers. Use the QR code to listen to the songs in the book. Ages 4 - 8 Music; Humor; Alphabet; Imagination |
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While this book is catalogued with nonfiction books about planets, it is also a subtle and interesting way to introduce and explain different types of poetry (ballad, sonnet, concrete, free verse, etc.). Each planet/space poem is printed on a fold-out page; presented underneath is scientific information on the topic and a brief description of the type of poetry employed. This two-for-one approach is a treat for homeschoolers! Take the time to experience both the science and the poetry. Allow more time for some poetry writing, too. Space Exploration; Planets; Poetry; Creative Writing |
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From the "Wax Palace of the Honeybee" to the "Clay Skyscraper of the Cathedral Termite," 27 different animal dwellings are introduced on eye-catching spreads. Brief poems and detailed artwork showing each animal in its abode and provide a fascinating glimpse at each critter's way of life. Brief facts and a glossary are appended. This lovely book is an intriguing look at nature that might inspire research projects, creative writing, and contemplation of what makes a home a home. Ages 8 - 12 Animal Homes; Poetry; Nature; Creative Writing |
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This poetic ode to the natural world showcases all kinds of branches — not only those found on trees but also the concept of branching: "nature's most efficient way to spread something (like water or energy) from one central spot over a large area." Lyrical text and beautiful woodcut illustrations show how branching is used in a bird feather's structure, river drainage, lightning patterns, and even the human body. An author's note helps explain the concept. Check out the author and illustrator's Swirl by Swirl for another look at patterns in nature. Ages 4 - 8 Branching; Patterns in Nature; Nature Study; Poetry |
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From South Africa's "twisting, whip-curling" bull's-eye squall to Italy's fair-weather maestro to Libya's "roilng..rolling" ghibli, brief poems and descriptive artwork introduce 14 winds of the world. The verses provide a glimpse at the featured wind, and smaller text identifies its location and provides additional context. The end pages include more information about winds and how they are formed and named, a map, and a glossary of weather terminology. This book is an inspiring foray into earth science. Ages 7 - 12 Weather; Winds; Earth Science; Poetry |
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Like an imaginary museum, the Wonder House contains 12 special rooms, each introduced by short poems and colorful artwork and filled with imaginative ideas. Readers wander through the "Room of Creatures" (from animals that "squish and squirm" to the "bristling centipede"), the "Room of Place" (a secret tree house or a city block lit with "hundreds of windows"), the "Room of Quiet" ("Hush. We can almost hear the glaze of the sky"), and many more. An authors' note encourages kids to seek out wonder and ways to do so, and the final end page offers idea-percolating prompts. Ages 8 - 12 Wonder; Imagination; Creativity; Poetry |
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Those who live with dogs (and those who admire them from afar) will appreciate this collection of 27 snappy and smile-inducing offerings. Brief verses and appealing illustrations touch upon the many aspects of the canine experience, from the title poem ("Imagine moose and skunk perfume. An odiferous stench, a paint-peeling plume") to a description of dog slobber ("slimy and soppy, a slow-motion drip") to a hopeful pup begging for a cookie ("Drop it! Drop it! Drop it!"). You just might be inspired to pen a poem to your own pet! Ages 4 - 10 Poetry; Humor; Dogs; Pets |
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An array of delightfully silly, weird, off-beat, and downright goofy poems is paired with colorful illustrations in this page-turning volume. A variety of poetic styles are represented as readers meet a quirky cast that include monsters, ogres, ghost puppies, woodland animals, aliens, and everyday kids. The nozzlework of the title, a giant "nose with super-vacuum strength," and some of the other characters appear in several of the offerings, which are often interconnected. A fun fairytale vibe hums throughout the book. This offering will please poetry fans and just might tempt non-fans to try a new genre. Ages 8 and up Poetry; Graphic Novels; Fairytales; Imaginary Animals; Humor |
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This book is like having a poet whisper in your ear! Twenty well-known children's authors present poems about all kinds of mistakes — from scoring a goal for the wrong team during a soccer match, foolishly acting on a dare to jump down a flight of concrete steps, allowing one's brothers to take the blame for something they didn't do, to pranking a favorite uncle — all experiences that will resonate with children. Colorful artwork brings the action to life, and an added note from each poet provides more detail and a bit of reflection about the featured event. In addition to the entertainment value, this book celebrates our shared humanity and shows readers that everyone can survive and learn from mistakes. Ages 7 - 12 Poetry; Poets; Mistakes |
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Beautifully illustrated and written graphic novel style, this charming book invites readers to spend a very special day with a young Emily Dickinson. Passionate about wildflowers and adventuring, Emily spends time outdoors exploring nature in the pleasant company of her faithful dog, Carlo. Alternating between lovely landscapes and zoomed in details, the engaging artwork expresses the wonders she finds, and several of her poems help mark the details and mood of the moment. This book not only introduces the life of a beloved poet but also delves into her inspirations. Extended author's notes offer details about Emily's life and work (and even Carlo). A unique and unforgettable book. Ages 7 - 12 Poets; Women's History; Exploring Nature |
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In December of 1862, Walt Whitman left his Brooklyn, New York, home to search for his brother, whose name turned up on a list of wounded Union soldiers. This would lead him to move to Washington, D.C., where he spent three years ministering to wounded and dying soldiers — reading and talking to them, writing letters, and just listening and providing comfort. Descriptive watercolor paintings, lyrical text, and quotes from Whitman's poems and letters provide a moving portrait of how one man can make a difference during the course of overwhelming events. Photos and an author's note provide a bit more background. Ages 7 - 10 Poets; Civil War; Volunteerism; Compassion |
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A flowing, sometimes-rhyming narrative introduces the life of Myra Viola Wilds (1875 - 1935) who left her rural Kentucky home to "journey to a new opportunity/and more kindness in the city./The chance to learn and to read/to be a part of society." Wilds became a dressmaker, but the detailed work damaged her sight, causing her to become blind, and she turned her talents to poetry. Stunning silhouette-style artwork reflects the historical setting while echoing the poetic text and celebrating themes of connecting with others through creativity and following one's dreams. The book features two of Wilds' poems, and an author's note provides more information about this poet's life and times between Reconstruction and the rise of Jim Crow laws. Ages 7 - 10 Poets; African American History; Women's History; Creativity; Dressmakers |
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Pikes Peak Library District
P.O. Box 1579, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80901
(719) 531-6333https://ppld.org/ |
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