Thursday, March 17, 2022

If This Bird Had Pockets, A Review

Dear Poets,

My goodness, for those of us waiting for life to ease up a bit, I'd like to remind the universe that we're still waiting here! 

Sensitive souls are feeling our feelings these days, that's for sure. Fortunately, bright spots of poetry exist for us to refuge in. Thank you, Ruth, at There is No Such Thing as a God-Forsaken Town, for hosting this week's poetry round-up and refuge.

Guess what? I am a lucky recipient of this book! 

Wordsong March 22


Let me tell you, receiving and opening this package book on after a long week at school was like opening pages of sunshine. The collection begins with a child who imagines what animals would write if they had pockets for poems....so beautiful, and innocent and sweet. Each animal's mask poem then shares what the animal would write if they could with important animal details. What a perfect read-aloud for Poem in Your Pocket Day

Since Poem in You Pocket Day is April 29th this year, you have time to request If This Bird Had Pockets for your favorite library branch to purchase or order from your favorite independent bookseller.

And, oh, my stars! There are even poems about stars -- easily my favorites. Here's a video with a narrator you're sure to recognize introducing If This Bird Had Pockets: A Poem in Your Pocket Day Celebration.



Emma Virjan's illustrations cheerful and bright illustrations, compliment the burst of sunshine feeling I got while reading the poems. I cannot tell you how much this book brightened my whole mood AND reminded me to start getting ready for Poem in Your Pocket Day '22. 

Thanks for the giveaway Wordsongpoetry.com. You made my day. I will be sharing this gem of a poetry collection with my students immediately! 

Last week Irene Latham introduced many of us to the poetry form, rispetto. According to Writer's Digest, rispettos were originally written to pay respect to a woman. How perfect for Women's History Month! There's a rispetto on the padlet for this amazing lady, Vera Rubin. https://padlet.com/mitchellhubeimom/4bzbfu2cg5k7awk5 

illustration by Matteo Farinella -- see his AMAZING 
collection of illustrations of women at: 


 

I'm off to leave positive reviews for If This Bird Had Pockets at my favorite places. I hope you'll read the book and do that as well. 



17 comments:

  1. This book looks amazing! It's going on my list! I really like your new star poem, too. I'll have to come back and catch up on reading all of them -- I've missed a lot lately!

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  2. Thank you for the review which, of course, has me wanting to grab a copy and read those poems. And your rispetto is wonderful. I especially like the cleverness of your rhyme in :'this brilliant love led Vera far/
    to study space from Palomar "
    Genius!

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  3. Linda, your enthusiasm is exactly what I needed this morning. Thank you! You are a STAR...and I haven't read Amy's book yet, but I know it will be full of wonders, as her poetry always is. Thank you for sharing. xo

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  4. "a girl of twelve can feel some worth"

    Oh, this line. It makes me think about what we see and how we see it and how other see us. Beautiful. And what a collection of poems! (I have a cat just like Ahmed!)

    Thank you so much for your kind review of our new book. It was a delight to work with Emma and to think about all of those wonderful creatures. And yes, Poem in Your Pocket Day is coming UP!

    Happy springy day, friend.

    xo,
    a.

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  5. I'm so looking forward to reading this book, Linda and Amy. It's going to be an exciting Poem in Your Pocket Day.

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  6. I feel happier just reading your reaction to Amy's new book; now I'm REALLY looking forward to seeing it in person. Thanks for the Vera Rubin rispetto - what a great form. Now, if only my auto correct would quit spelling out risotto instead . . .:D

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  7. Thanks for the book review AND your poem on your padlet. BOTH delight me! I definitely want to learn more about both.

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  8. Love it all, Linda. That video from Amy is so enticing!

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  9. This book sounds like a delight, loved the video with the gentle and gorgeous art. Thanks, Linda! I'll definitely find this book!

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  10. Thanks for the uplifting review and video, Linda. I'm happy to see my library already has If This Bird Had Pockets on order. I look forward to reading it.
    What a terrific rispetto--I especially love Vera's peering eyes and the last line.

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  11. You rocked the rispetto, and thank you for teaching me about another smart, observant woman scientist! Amy's book is SO delightful, and you made my morning with the video of her introduction. Hearing her voice is happy-making!

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  12. I loved your rispetto!! I will have to try it. And I can't wait to read Amy's new book.

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  13. I read your post yesterday and since then, my eyes are stingy and a bit cloudy so each time I read your wonderful review and poem on the padlet, I smile. Thanks for picking up my day.

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  14. Can't wait to read Amy's book. I have a digital version at the moment--or I did, but I guess it got archived. I'm looking forward to holding it in my hands. And thanks for sharing the "brilliant love" of Vera Rubin!

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  15. Lovely review of Amy's New Book Linda, and just in time for "Poem in Your Pocket Day too! Thanks also for shedding light on Vera Rubin, that dark matter comes to light in your poem!

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  16. Your padlet is amazing, Linda! Thanks for the review of If This Bird Has Pockets -- it looks like just what the doctor ordered!

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Friendly, positive comments and feedback are always welcome here. Please let me know I'm not just whistling in the dark!