Poetry Friday

Poetry Friday is hosted today by Poetry for Children.

My selection is "Don't Read This Book, Whatever YouDo!: more poems about school" by Kalli Dakos with illustrations by G. Brian Karas.

Dakos is at her best with this collection of poetry, some for single voices and some for groups. She captures the fun and foibles of life in an elementary school through the voice of children. Both teachers and students will recognize these deftly portrayed moments in a school day.

Loosely-drawn, cartoon style artwork from Karas accent the verses.

Best Friends

Your work is neat; mine’s such a mess.

I rush too much; you do your best.

You get straight A’s; I get all C’s.

I’m Tom Sawyer’ you’re Socrates.

You love library; I race to gym.

I’m elastic; you’re a straight pin.

You’re a violin; I’m a tambourine.

But we’re the best friends

This school has ever seen.

Poetry Friday

Poetry Friday is hosted today by Reading to the Core.

My selection is: "Almost Late To School: and more school poems" written by Carol Diggory Shields with illustrations by Paul Meisel.

From the talented Carol Diggory Shields, a collection of poems that explore life in an elementary school with hysterical results. The title is taken from one of the poems in the book in which a student concocts wildly imaginative excuses for being late, only to discover a surprise when he comes face-to-face with his teacher. From a kindergartener's first-day jitters to the inevitable jealousies that plague young scholars, Shields is spot on with voice and characterizations.

Meisel's bright, energetic, cartoon-style illustrations are a perfect pairing with the verses.

GoodReads Giveaway

In recognition of National Dog Day on August 26th I'm offering a GoodReads Giveaway for free hardcover copies of --

From his guardians to his doctors, Monty's loving spirit captures hearts with an I-can-do-it grin and a wagging tail.

Abused, shot and left for dead in the desert, Monty is taken in by dedicated animal rescuers who launch an eighteen month long campaign via social networking that saves his life and makes him a world-wide celebrity with thousands of fans.

A year and a half later -- after losing a leg, Monty, now healthy and happy, finds a loving forever home, becomes an ambassador for other abused and abandoned dogs, and inspires everyone who hears his story of second chances and never giving up.

Poetry Friday

Poetry Friday is hosted today by My Juicy Little Universe.

For Poetry Friday: "Fireflies at Midnight" by Marilyn Singer with pictures by Ken Robbins.

Singer provides readers with a glimpse of animal life in this collection of mostly first person poems that range from one dawn to the next. Included are a cross-section of animals: robin, otter, crayfish, frog, ant and, of course,  the fireflies at midnight.  Each poem gives readers some subtle facts cleverly integrated into the verse.