My goodness, it has been a while since I last participated in the Poetry Friday community, and I’ve certainly missed everyone! Life has been busy – so very busy – but in mostly good ways, thank goodness. I’ve been hard at work promoting my third picture book, Queenie Quail Can’t Keep Up, which was just released in Canada at the beginning of the month, and which will be available for purchase in the United States starting today! I’ve also been prepping to take an extended leave of absence at work (a good thing, I assure you!), which is very exciting, but which means a lot of paperwork. It’s been a very busy few months here in Raincity, but I did manage to find a few moments this week to share this lovely Shel Silverstein gem with you today:
I helped a teacher prepare resources for a class unit on poetry, and of course I had to recommend at least one collection from this poetic master. I adored Silverstein as a child, and I’m always thrilled whenever I see new generations discovering and falling in love with his offbeat brand of word mastery.
I hope I’m not considered a liar, but….everything else on that list seems to apply to most of us creative types! Let’s all gather by the fire to spin our flax-golden tales.
Have a wonderful week, friends!
The welcoming tone of this Silverstein poem makes it irresistible Jane. Good choice. Welcome back.
I forgot about this Shel Silverstein poem, Jane, but it is a wonderful one. Thanks for sharing and congratulations on your book.
Welcome back! I used to always beging my poetry themed school visits with this very poem. I love it.
Oh, what a wonderful way to start a visit!
I know you’ve been so busy celebrating your new book, Jane. This poem is one that even my middle schoolers loved. He was an inspiration for poets!
I kinda missed good ole’ Shel as a child. Thankfully, I became a librarian and really do enjoy catching up! What a beautiful, beautiful invitation. This makes me want to write one. I love that Kimberly uses it with school visits.
Many congrats on Queenie! Let me know how I can help promote.
My students have loved all my Silverstein books to pieces!
Nice to hear from you again, Jane! I think I may have underestimated the role Shel played in my own poetic development. : ) This is a lovely one, inviting indeed…
Oh, me too! Looking back through his poetry, I really remember now how much I enjoyed his rhythm, his sometimes off-beat structure, and of course his willingness to be silly and strange. Sometimes when you’re studying poetry it can feel like everything has to be serious and “deep”, when sometimes it can be both deep AND strange.
Like LInda, somehow I missed Silverstein growing up, but my daughter feels similarly to you. His poetry brings amusement and comfort. Happy birthday to Queenie Quail, Jane!
I think there was always a feeling among children that Silverstein “got” them, that he didn’t talk down to kids, but could be silly just like them, which is rare and wonderful gift in a writer.
Welcome back and congrats on your new book! It looks adorable!!!
Thank you!