Poetry Friday

Poetry Friday is hosted today by A Year Of Reading.

For Poetry Friday -- "Keepers: treasure-hunt poems" written by John Frank with  photographs by Ken Robbins.

Empty a child's pockets and what will you find? Treasures! 

Frank celebrates the mystery and wonder of found objects in this collection of poems.  From beaches to woodland paths, flea markets to grandma's attic come a variety of treasures from natural or man-made sources.  Simple the verses clearly convey a sense of the object and give readers a moment to consider its worth.  An object's value is seen as less about monetary worth and more about the beauty, sentiment, or attached memories which is a sensibility that his readers will share.

Robbins' photography is a beautiful expression of the verses while adding a rich layer of elegance to these simple treasures.

Writers Wednesday

Today the post is simply this --

A letter from John Steinbeck to beginning writers

Think about it.

Nonfiction Monday

Nonfiction Monday is hosted today by Anastasia Suen's BookTalking.

For Nonfiction Monday --  "A boy named Beckoning: the true story of Dr. Carlos Montezuma, Native American hero" adapted and illustrated by Gina Capaldi.

Dr. Carlos Montezuma was a Yavapai Indian born in the Arizona territory, kidnapped by an enemy tribe, and sold as a young child to Carlo Gentile.  Gentile, an Italian photographer, took the boy to Chicago changed his given name (Wassaja) to Carlos Montezuma and raised him as a son.  Carlos, in addition to being the first Native American to become a medical doctor at an American University, became an activist for his people.  One of his most famous speeches "Let my people go..." was read in the United States Senate in 1916.  Carlos died in 1923 and the following year Congress passed the Indian Citizenship Act making all Native Americans United States citizens.

Capaldi's thoroughly researched book provides readers with a depth of understanding for both the man and his time.  She utilizes Carlos' letters and personal accounts to infuse the text with the voice and emotions her subject.  Author's notes and a comprehensive list of resources offer abundant resources for further reading.

Poetry Friday

Poetry Friday is hosted today by GottaBook.

For Poetry Friday -- "Animal Snackers" by Betsy Lewin

This updated edition of her 1980 book offers readers new illustrations and reconceived verses as she delves into the eating habits of various creatures.

 

Four-line poems highlight the snacking preferences of twelve animals ranging from the platypus to ostrich in language that is both humorous and informative: 

Platypus

The platypus looks odd enough,

with fur and ducklike bill.

He thinks that bugs are yummy stuff,

which makes him odder still.

Each verse faces a full page illustration that brings the animal diner into sharp focus. This light-hearted look at food choices is a pleasure and would be a fun introduction to an animal unit.

Writers Wednesday

Are you wondering about self publishing your work?

Check out this post by Susan Berger at Pen and Ink -- Interview with Self PublishedAuthor Sariah Wilson.

Wilson explains her reasons behind deciding to self-publish and let's readers in on editing, finding a cover artist, etc.

Nonfiction Monday is hosted today by Perogies & Gyoza.

For Nonfiction Monday --  "The case of the vanishing golden frogs: a scientific mystery" by Sandra Markle.

 

What happens when a scientist becomes a detective?  In this case, biologist Karen Lips identifies a mystery -- Panamanian golden frogs are disappearing in the wild. She then researches the possible causes, formulates a plan of action, and works to solve the mystery.  In this case  -- spoiler alert! -- the culprit is a fungus for which there is currently no cure.  Markle goes on to describe how scientists are taking steps to keep the remaining population alive in special zoos and  research centers while they work to return the golden frogs -- the national symbol of Panama -- to their home.

Poetry Friday

Poetry Friday is hosted today by Check It Out.

For Poetry Friday -- "Poems in black & white" by Kate Miller.

 

Miller has created a book around a theme that invites the reader to explore word and image.  The economy of language, set against the elegant simplicity of monotype illustrations, is deceptive and begs for a second and third reading to fully appreciate the depth of thought so artfully conveyed.

The night sky, the glow of moon on snow, a dandelion's "head is filled with/ winged seeds-her fluffy/ cloud-white dreams held/ back like eager children," are each given a special moment.  Cat, cow, crow and fly are a few of  the animals also treated to their moment in the spotlight.  "Dog-eyed" with its accompanying look into a Border Collie's bright eyes, cleverly treats both the black and white vision and coat "... just as grand as / Irish Setter red."

Miller's work is sharp and perceptive -- well worth a look.