Amazon.com Review
Poetry is a natural for kids. Writing poems is an opportunity to be playful, creative, challenged, and free (within a structure). And of course, when you throw humor in the mix, it truly becomes the perfect activity. Poet and teacher Paul B. Janeczko, author of
How to Write Poetry,
A Poke in the I: A Collection of Concrete Poems, and more, celebrates silliness with a serious book about funny poems. This workbook provides easy lessons and wonderfully witty examples to help children write everything from street rhymes to riddle poems to epitaphs to limericks (the nonnaughty variety). Each chapter is introduced by a "Poetry Page" that presents examples of the poetic form of the lesson, followed by a brief introduction to the form, its origins, and its characteristics. Next comes the "Exploring the Poem" section, in which essential aspects of the poetic form are highlighted and discussed, and an activity is suggested. The "Brainstorming" and "Drafting" sections help students get beyond writer's block. Writers try out some of their ideas without the pressure of feeling that their poem must be perfect when it hits the page. "Extending the Lesson" presents some ways of expanding on a lesson--into other curriculum areas, a performance, or with an art project. In no time at all, kids will be rolling in the aisles at their own (and their fellow students') wit and brilliance. (Ages 7 to 11)
--Emilie Coulter
About the Author
Paul Janeczko is a celebrated poet and award-winning anthologist. His first professional book for Scholastic was the best-selling Favorite Poetry Lessons. He lives with his wife and daughter in Hebron, Maine.
