A Crow Doesn't Need A Shadow: A Guide to Writing Poetry from Nature [Illustrated] [Paperback]

Lorraine Ferra (Author), Diane Boardman (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 19, 1994

"Each generation of young people, it seems, is further removed from nature, from the wind that 'rubs its chin on the trees' and the ducks that 'slip through the quiet pond like raindrops.' With the grace and wisdom of a true teacher, Lorraine Ferra shows us all the way back." --Don Stap, author of A Parrot Without a Name and Letter at the End of Winter.

"These writing experiences give children (and adults) safe allowance to become quiet and tap into their inner wealth of being. I have seen miracles blossom from kids I least expected to respond. In a world of growing disquiet and alienation, this book offers us a welcomed calm and focused energy." --Judy Friesem, environmental educator, Olympic Park Institure, Port Angeles, Washington

"In a spirit of exploration, A Crow Doesn't Need a Shadow contains a series of invitations for readers to look out upon their own landscapes and to write the important themes of their lives." --Richard Harmston, Utah State Office of Education; Co-director, Utah Writing Project

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

Contents Open the Door: An Invitation to Readers Poetry Field Trips Wildflowers Weather Birds and Other Animals Building a Nature Wordscape Keeping a Nature Journal Other Explorations Wandering, Noticing, and Writing Finding a Companion in Nature Creating a Landscape Become Your Surroundings Colors in the Natural World Dreaming Up a Place Nature in Your Hand Rhythms in the World and in Words Growing a Poem Naturally Anthology A Note to Educators Acknowledgments

From the Back Cover

"Each generation of young people, it seems, is further removed from nature, from the wind that 'rubs its chin on the trees' and the ducks that 'slip through the quiet pond like raindrops.' With the grace and wisdom of a true teacher, Lorraine Ferra shows us all the way back." --Don Stap, author of A Parrot Without a Name and Letter at the End of Winter.

"These writing experiences give children (and adults) safe allowance to become quiet and tap into their inner wealth of being. I have seen miracles blossom from kids I least expected to respond. In a world of growing disquiet and alienation, this book offers us a welcomed calm and focused energy." --Judy Friesem, environmental educator, Olympic Park Institure, Port Angeles, Washington

"In a spirit of exploration, A Crow Doesn't Need a Shadow contains a series of invitations for readers to look out upon their own landscapes and to write the important themes of their lives." --Richard Harmston, Utah State Office of Education; Co-director, Utah Writing Project

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Gibbs Smith; 1st edition (March 19, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0879056002
• ISBN-13: 978-0879056001
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #876,235 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Integration of the Outer and Inner Landscape, October 22, 2006

By 

Rebecca Johnson "The Rebecca Review" (Washington State) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: A Crow Doesn't Need A Shadow: A Guide to Writing Poetry from Nature (Paperback)

"Being lazy in the meadow.
it is like placing my head
on a pillow of wind, rivers,
and dreams." ~Ben Burns, Age 8

Writing poetry can be an intensely personal and satisfying experience and while many poets draw on an inner well of experience, this book addresses the poems we write that are inspired by nature. Lorraine Ferra has divided this book up into wonderful chapters that are easy to read and are beautifully illustrated by Diane Boardman.

The chapters include:

Poetry Field Trips
Building a Nature Wordscape
Keeping a nature Journal
Wandering, Noticing, and Writing
Finding a Companion in Nature
Creating a Landscape
Becoming Your Surroundings
Colors in the Natural World
Dreaming Up a Place
Nature in Your Hand
Rhythms in the World and in Words
Growing a Poem Naturally

The chapter on Dreaming up a Place sounded familiar to me since I'm always wishing to revisit places I've been or imagining new ones I'd love to visit if they existed. Lorraine Ferra then asks questions about a sample poem to encourage an understanding and then gives suggestions for writing a poem about your own imaginary world.

"Find a favorite spot outside and sit quietly for a while. A tree would be good to dream in, or you could lie on our back and wonder about the cloud shapes and colors drifting high above you. Wherever you choose to be, allow what is actually there- sounds, smells, tastes, textures, sights - to carry you to an imaginary place." ~ pg. 88

Poems that appear in this book include titles like: In a Snowy Field, Walking in Winter, Thunder, Dandelion, Storm, Shadows, Bees, Inside the Woods, Autumn and A Story in the Snow. What makes these poems so interesting is that they are written by children and you can see the world through a different perspective.

NIGHT

Night swallows the sunlight
and devours the day
It lingers across the plains
cradling the moon and stars
in its hands.

~Richie Browder, Age 8

Lately I realized you could be as inspired by a DVD from Australia as being outdoors in Australia. When reading this book you may want to also expand your world knowledge by viewing nature footage from a variety of countries. I found that this book and watching shows about nature and foreign landscapes enhanced the experience.

A Crow Doesn't Need a Shadow is perfect for teachers or for parents to give to their children. Even adults will enjoy seeing the world in a new way as you integrate the inner and outer landscapes to create magical thoughts.

~The Rebecca Review

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good for poets of any age., July 4, 2007

By 

Bluephurba - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Crow Doesn't Need A Shadow: A Guide to Writing Poetry from Nature (Paperback)

I bought this small book years ago, in the bookstore of a museum. I was impressed with it and bought copies for my children - and my old parents. It's one of those perfect books, transcending it's own aims. It can help anyone - not just children - see more and write better. And for kids, it's an inspiration and a lot of fun. I can't recommend this book highly enough.

4.0 out of 5 stars A refreshing view of writing poetry., April 24, 2011

By 

sewgirl - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Crow Doesn't Need A Shadow: A Guide to Writing Poetry from Nature (Paperback)

I am retired school teacher, a writer of poetry and a person who loves nature. This book looked interesting and I was not disappointed. I loved the idea of writing poetry in shapes of nature. It inspired me to write one about icicles in the shape of an icicle,and others in the shapes of storm clouds, sunflower, and a tornado. I am not a kid but I had fun with it.