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This Poem Is a Nest
Current price:
$17.99
Publication Date: September 29th, 2020
Publisher:
Wordsong
ISBN:
9781684373635
Pages:
112
Description
This beautiful poetry collection introduces readers to the art of found poetry as the poet writes a 37-line poem, "Nest," then finds 160 smaller poems within it.
What can you find in a poem about a robin's nest? Irene Latham masterfully discovers "nestlings" or smaller poems about an astonishing variety of subjects--emotions, wild animals, natural landmarks on all seven continents, even planets and constellations. Each poem is a glorious spark of wonder that will prompt readers to look at the world afresh. The book includes an introduction detailing the principles of found poetry and blackout poetry, and a section of tips at the end. The joyous creativity in this volume is certain to inspire budding poets.
Praise for This Poem Is a Nest
Kirkus Reviews Best Book
NCTE Notable Poetry Book
Bank Street College of Education Best Book of the Year
★ "Each nestling [poem] is a warm, accessible, bite-size poem. Some are playful and some are profound. Young writers will be motivated to find their own nestlings and to think deeply about the power of words. Wright’s soft illustrations are gentle, and the ink washes create a lush, dreamy feel. A beautiful, emotional, and incredibly creative poetry book that inspires reflection, dreaming, and writing. A must for libraries and schools." —School Library Journal, starred review
★ "A gifted poet demonstrates the remarkable versatility of words through one kind of found poetry. '[N]ested' poems are hidden inside larger poems like nesting dolls. These short poems cover simple themes, such as colors, days, seasons, and animals, as well as more complex ones. The invitations to think metaphorically and to discover poetry that might be right at hand are friendly and clear... The repetition of words becomes an echo of a familiar melody running throughout the collection as they become the molecules of new poems and become fresh again. Wright’s art in full-page section-introducing illustrations, along with spot illustration and margin art, gives a warm and lighthearted dimension to the pages. Delightful. " —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ "Latham... suggests poems are nests in which poets 'gather words, ideas, and dreams, and then . . . set about weaving, arranging, and structuring.' A lengthy 37- line opening poem, titled “Nest,” solidifies this concept by combining imagery of birds and poets at work throughout the seasons. Latham then uses this anchor poem as a source for 161 very short found poems or 'nestlings.' These nestlings... encourage metaphorical thinking in young readers, while Wright’s grayscale, loosely drawn illustrations enhance these sentiments. Latham ends her work with tips for budding poets to create or find their own nest poems and nestlings, such as using verbs as nouns (or vice versa), joining words to make unique words, and experimenting with the placement of words on the page. This clever poetry exercise will inspire reflection, recreation, or simple enjoyment." —Booklist, starred review
"Language arts teachers and others will find this book a charming exemplar with which to teach poetry. Found poetry is an accessible entry-point into authoring poems. Student readers will feel less intimidated by the art form after studying this book and following its advice." —School Library Connection