Poetry Friday

Poetry Friday Roundup is hosted today by Tabatha Yeatts: The Opposite of Indifference.

My selection is "A Crossing of Zebras: animal packs in poetry" written by Marjorie Maddox and illustrated by Philip Huber.

This is a book for readers who delight in the music and motion of words. Maddox offers both fanciful and realistic verses based on collective nouns for animal groups ranging from a "crash of rhinos" to a "charm of butterflies."

Writer's Wednesday

On the dreaded Writer's block --

We all face that problem from time to time. What to write? How to get that half-formed idea onto the page is a struggle that every writer must confront. Don't worry. You're in good company...

Here are some well-known quotes on the subject from writers past and present.

"The hard part is getting to the top of page 1." -- Tom Stoppard

Too true, but having succeeded in putting those first words on the page the next challenge arrives.

"I always do the first line well, but I have trouble doing the others." -- Moliere

Exactly. What is it that makes this writing thing so difficult?

"I think writer's block is simply the dread that you are going to write something horrible. But as a writer, I believe that if you sit down at the keys long enough, sooner or later something will come out." -- Ray Blount, Jr.

So you're saying that perseverance is key. That makes sense, but sometimes I get stuck halfway through the story. Any suggestions to help me out then?

"I always stopped when I knew what was going to happen next. That way I could be sure of going on the next day." Ernest Hemingway

That's a great suggestion. I'll have to try it. Any final thoughts?

"The mere habit of writing, of constantly keeping at it, of never giving up, ultimately teaches you how to write." -- Gabriel Fielding

For more on this topic check out the post on Writer's Block at The Librarian Writer.

Nonfiction Monday

Nonfiction Monday is hosted today by Telling the Truth: Writing Nonfiction for Children.

My selection is "The Day-glo Brothers: the true story of Bob and Joe Switzer's bright ideas and brand-new colors" written by Chris Barton and illustrated by Tony Persiani.

Barton explores the creation and use of fluorescent colors -- a topic that is so common place, so taken for granted and so remarkable that it deserves this closer look. In 42 pages, Barton shines a light on the two Switzer's lives and work. Joe died in 1973 and it was Bob's obituary in 1997 that sparked Barton's curiosity. Barton found his answers by turning to Bob's seventy-five page hand-written history, conversations with Switzer family and colleagues, a self-published book by a family friend, US Army records, and even the Popular Science article that sparked Joe's first interest in fluorescence. Persiani was equally inspired -- beginning the book in gray-scale that gradually transforms with color until the final pages shine with day-glo brilliance.

To learn more about fluorescent colors and how fluorescence works click HERE.

Poetry Friday

Poetry Friday Roundup is hosted today by Book Aunt.

My selection is "Canyon" written by Eileen Cameron with photographs by Michael Collier.

This book is built on a basic premise: describe how water creates a canyon. That premise evolves into a stunningly crafted combination of free verse and photographs as the author and illustrator follow a simple rivulet to its ultimate destination in the mighty Colorado River.

The powerful forces of water and erosion are mirrored in the language and illuminated in photos that provide intimate closeups and breathtaking aerial shots. The book concludes with a picture index and a map of the region of the Colorado River to identify the photographer's various locations.

Writer's Wednesday

On the editing process...

The ongoing work of editing can be frustrating or downright confusing.

Check out this post at Adventures in Children's Publishing for one writer's take on the process. The post by Lena Coakley titled: Working Through an Agent's Critique Letter.

Nonfiction Monday

Nonfiction Monday is hosted today by The Cat and the Fiddle.

My selection is "Piano Starts Here: the young Art Tatum" written and illustrated by Robert Andrew Parker.

Here is a biography of the great Jazz pianist, Art Tatum, that pushes the nonfiction boundary with its first person voice, much as Tatum, who was nearly blind from birth, pushed the musical boundaries in ways that still challenge modern day pianists.

Parker, who is also a musician, shares his passion for music and has created a blend of text and picture that captures the life of this extraordinary talent and makes it accessible to children and adults. The author adds a personal note about Tatum's influence on his life and the experience of a personal meeting with the legendary Jazz great. Biographical notes and a bibliography are also included.

Listen to Tatum play his version of the Humoresque by Dvorak.

Poetry Friday

Poetry Friday Roundup is hosted today by Random Noodling.

My selection is "Dark Emperor & Other Poems of the Night" written by Joyce Sidman and illustrated by Rick Allen.

Welcome to a night of danger and delight as Sidman explores the plant and animal life that thrive in a nocturnal landscape. This 2011 Newbery Honor book is Sidman at her talented best as she leads the reader through the darkness to discover snail and mushroom, spider and bat and a host of other treasures. The poetry is juxtaposed with insightful commentary to shed a scientific light on her subjects. Rick Allen's linoleum on wood block prints are tinted with delicate color and capture the mood beautifully.

A glossary for less familiar words completes the book.