Poetry Friday - Summer Poetry Swap: Fireflies and Tarantulas

It’s Friday! And you know what that means: Poetry! Want to know more about Poetry Friday? Click this link right here. And be sure to check out Robyn Hood Black's amazing blog to see this week’s round up of wonderful poetry related posts, blogs and goodness. 

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Hello and happy Poetry Friday! Today is going to be a short post because I am in the process of moving my blog from Blogger over to Wordpress. My laptop is on the fritz, and I have decided to try to work exclusively on my iPad. And Blogger does not play well with iPad. 

I did want to share the final two Summer Poetry Swaps that I received. It has been so much fun sending and receiving these poetry packages. I am so glad that I participated! Thank you Tabatha, for organizing the swap.

Linda Mitchell sent me a beautiful handmade card that went perfectly with her poem, Firefly Tea. I have it hanging on my cork board by my desk because it makes me smile every time I read it. She did a perfect job of capturing summer with my little ones. 

Firefly Tea

by Linda Mitchell

Summer Night

drops of dew

camp fire

circles loved ones

a ghost story

or two.

Sun burned nose

bare feet

swim suits drip

dreams sweet

flicker...flash

set aside to steep

Drink slowly

Repeat

And Carol Varsalona used the Buncee platform to send me some spook-filled Floridian poetry. She even included info on one of my pets, a Lasiodora parahybana--the Brazilian Salmon Pink Bird-eating Taratula!

You can see her Spooky Floridian Poetry Swap here.

She also sent my daughter and I these handmade bracelets from the charity, Bigger Than Beads. Needless to say, they were a big hit!

Poetry Friday - The Ravens

It’s Friday! And you know what that means: Poetry! Want to know more about Poetry Friday? Click this link right here. And be sure to check out Christie blog, Wondering and Wandering, to see this week’s round up of wonderful poetry related posts, blogs and goodness. 

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Hello and Happy Poetry Friday! Summer is winding down--my daughter is back in school, and my husband starts teaching again in a couple of weeks. While I love having both kids and my husband home, I am excited for the routine that comes with school.

Christie over at Wondering and Wandering put up a bird-related poem challenge. I have been wanting to try my hand again at a golden shovel poem, so I decided to pick a line from Edgar Allen Poe's "The Raven". We're getting closer and closer to October, so I'll take any chance I can get to bring out the spookiness.

Originally, I planned on having my poem be informational. Did you know a group of them is called an "unkindness" or a "conspiracy"? Or that they're the world's largest songbird? Or that they play pranks?

As I started writing the poem, though, it kind of morphed into something completely different. The original poem doesn't tell us what happens to the narrator, so I decided to explore that a bit. It's a first draft, and the nature of the Golden Shovel made consistent meter quite difficult. But it was a blast to futz around with.

The Ravens

after "The Raven" by Edgar Allen Poe

A conspiracy of passerines perched in the potter’s field-then

startled by my passing by, this

sooty cloak whipped to the sky. Ebony

wings beat through the air, no common bird

were these. Their croaking cries, beguiling

calls, were meant to just deceive. Twas not my

name they squawked that night which stoked sad

embers in my soul. The desire for her return--pure fancy--

so now I go to my Lenore. Perched atop this precipice I gaze into

The black below. I know she waits. Lenore will greet me, smiling.

Sloth at the Zoom - Picture Book Review

Sloth at the Zoom

written by Helaine Becker

illustrated by Orbie

Owlkids, 2018

* I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

At a Glance

Category & Genre(s):

Picture book, humor, friendship

Age Range: 

2-7 years old

Plot:

A sloth, heading for the laid-back Zzzzoo, is accidentally dropped off at the Zoom where zebras gallop aroud and cheetahs zip right by. How will she handle this fast paced life and will she be able to make friends?

Strengths:

• clever, cute idea
• The main character is a sloth
• Its funny
• Shows the benefits of slowing down sometimes
• shows we can have friends that are different than ourselves

Would I recommend this title:

Yes!

Full Review

Full disclosure: I love sloths. I have a sloth stuffed animal collection. I have sloth socks. Even my roller derby name is Sloth. So naturally, I loved this book. The illustrations are really cute and vibrant. I feel like the illustrator did a good job of capturing each animal.

The premise of the book is funny and clever. A type of jungle fish-out-of-water story. I especially enjoyed the descriptions of the animals zooming around--the zebras run so fast that their stripes fly off! 

I think kids and parents will find appeal in the idea that it is important to slow down sometimes. I also liked the underlying message that we can find friends anywhere, even if they like different things. 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 8/13/18

#IMWAYR

The weekly post where I recap some of the KidLit books I've been reading. Ocasionally, I'll also talk about some adult fiction books as well.

Be sure to check out Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers to see what other Kidlit readers are reading. Because, you know, we can never have too many books in our TBR piles.

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Picture Books

The Chupacabra Ate the Candelabra
written by Marc Tyler Nobleman
illustrated by Ana Aranda
Nancy Paulsen Books, 2017

This book was so much fun! I was looking for suggestions for spooky picture books and this one came up. I loved the bright illustrations. And the story was really funny and cute. Kids will be able to relate to the goats' fear of the legendary chupacabra--much like the boogeyman. One thing that I was pleasantly surprised at is that the text is a little longer--but it does not drag. It seems like many publishers are publishing shorter and shorter picture books, so this was refreshing. Despite the little bit longer text, my kiddos never got bored. 

Ta-Da!
written by Kathy Ellen Davis
illustrated by  Kaylani Juanita
Chronicle Books, 2018

I picked this one up because of the cover. The story is very creative and clever. I think most kids will be able to relate to the back and forth that happens when you are playing with friends. I especially liked the repetition as my toddler would giggle and even repeat parts. Highly recommend. 

The Bath Monster
written by Colin Boyd
illustrated by Tony Ross
Andersen Press, 2016

Another fun read. I love this twist on the monster under the bed. I am all for age appropriate spookiness and this is great. I could also see it being a motivator to get kids to take their baths--it keeps the bath monster well fed! 

Creepy Monsters, Sleepy Monsters
written by Jane Yolen
illustrated by Kelly Murphy
Candlewick, 2013

I guess I have been on a monster kick this week! The illustrations in this one are great. The monsters are super cute and Jane's rhyme is fantastic, as always. My two little monsters thoroughly enjoyed this one. Now if I can just get them to go to bed the 1st time I ask!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 7/30/18

#IMWAYR

The weekly post where I recap some of the KidLit books I've been reading. Ocasionally, I'll also talk about some adult fiction books as well.

Be sure to check out Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers to see what other Kidlit readers are reading. Because, you know, we can never have too many books in our TBR piles.

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BookTube-A-Thon starts today and runs through August 5th! You can see my 7 book TBR here. 

Picture Books

Boogie Nights

written by Lisa Wheeler

illustrated by Mark Siegel

Atheneum/Richard Jackson Books, 2008

I am always on the lookout for great spooky-funny books. This one had be belly laughing. I loved the illustrations and the rhyme was spot-on. Highly recommend. 

On Duck Pond

written by Jane Yolen

illustrated by Bob Marstall

Cornell Lab Publishing Group, 2017

I love it when Jane Yolen comes out with a bird picture book (and she's got a few) because I know that the writing will be top notch and there will be fantastic nonfiction back matter. On Duck Pond  does not disappoint. The illustrations are beautiful too. 

Twig

by Aura Parker

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2018

Oh my goodness! What a cute book! I loved the illustrations. There is just so much to see and discover on each page. And the story--one of going unnoticed--is something that I think many kids can easily relate to. 

Poetry

Beastly Verse

by JooHee Yoon

Enchanted Lion Books, 2015

JooHee Yoon has selected a fantastic set of animal poems for this book. Her wonderfully colorful artwork is just amazing. This would make an excellent addition to any poetry classroom. 

BookTube-A-Thon 2018 TBR

It's that time of year again! Booktube-A-Thon--the week-long read-a-thon! I stumbled across this last year and had a blast. I didn't even know what BookTube was (it's a whole slew of YouTubers that talk books on their channels, and it's marvelous.) 

There are daily video challenges that you can do (like spell out your current read using other books) as well as Instagram challenges. I am still debating on whether I am going to put in the time and energy to make any videos--I did last year, but it takes so much time to film and edit! 

My 8yo daughter and her friends really want me to make them because "they've never lived next to a YouTube star" before. Yes, one of them really said this to me. For the record, my top viewed video from last year has 24 views--I'm pretty sure 22 of those were my daughter and her friends sitting around and giggling at me.

So the read-a-thon goes from midnight on July 30th and goes through August 5th. There are seven reading challenges that are totally optional, but a lot of fun. my 7 books that I have chosen total up to just over 1700 words for the week! It's a tall order, but I can't wait to dive in. Just for fun, I have decided to have a horror theme for all my selections.

So, without further ado, here are my book choices.

Challenge 1: Let a coin toss determine your first read

The Frightful Ride of Michael McMichael

written by Bonny Becker

illustrated by Mark Fearing

Candlewick, 2018

I am SO excited for this one. I will definitely be cracking it open at the stroke of midnight.

Challenge 2: Read a book about something you want to do

HWA Poetry Showcase Volume IV

edited by David E. Cowen

Horror Writers Association, 2017

I really enjoy writing poetry, especially for kids. While this isn't a book of children's poetry, I am excited to see and learn how to incorporate more spookiness into my own work. 

Challenge 3: Read and watch a book to movie adaptation*

Night of the Living Cuddle Bunnies

by Jonathan Rosen

Sky Pony Press, 2017

*I am interpreting this challenge a bit broadly, as there isn't a movie adaptation (yet!) BUT the title is FANTASTIC and I'll be going off of that for the challenge. I know the book nods to all sorts of excellent films, so I'll be picking one after I read it.

Challenge 4: Read a book with green on the cover

The Chupacabra Ate the Candelabra

written by Marc Tyler Nobleman

illustrated by Ana Aranda

Nancy Paulsen Books, 2017

I am fascinated by horror in young children's literature. I think it is an art form to get just the right  spookiness to humor ratio for kids. This one looks way fun.

Challenge 5: Read a book while wearing the same hat the whole time

My Favorite Thing Is Monsters

by Emil Ferris

Fantagraphics Books, 2017

This graphic novel was nominated for a Bram Stoker Award last year and I am so excited to read it (in my roller derby trucker hat).

Challenge 6: Read a book with a beautiful spine

The Hunger

by Alma Katsu

read by Kirsten Potter

Penguin Audio, 2018

So I don't have an image of the spine of this one because I am listening to the audiobook. But I did look it up and it really is a pretty spine.

Challenge 7: Read seven books

Scary Out There

edited by Jonathan Maberry

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2016

I have been on a short story kick lately and I have high expectations for this one.

So there you have it! I'm hoping to have a wrap up post when I come up for air after the read-a-thon. Wish me luck!

Poetry Friday - Artichoke Poetry Swap

It’s Friday! And you know what that means: Poetry! Want to know more about Poetry Friday? Click this link right here. And be sure to check out Reading to the Core to see this week’s round up of wonderful poetry related posts, blogs and goodness. 

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Hello and Happy Poetry Friday everyone! I hope that you have had a marvelous week. Mine has been filled with ups and downs, but mostly ups. 

One of the highlights of my week was the poetry swap package I received from Jone Rush MacCulloch. She wrote me a beautiful poem about artichokes. I had no idea that the artichoke was a species of thistle! And the thistle is my 2nd favorite flower (behind the dandelion). I just love how prickly they are, but how vibrant and beautiful the purples can be. 

Thank you, Jone for the poem! I am keeping it on my fridge so I can smile everyday. 

artichoke

purple glory globe

hidden bee

seeks pollen

explorers on our journey

seeking life's nectar

--jone rush macculloch

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? - 7/20/18

#IMWAYR

The weekly post where I recap some of the KidLit books I've been reading. Ocasionally, I'll also talk about some adult fiction books as well.

Be sure to check out Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers to see what other Kidlit readers are reading. Because, you know, we can never have too many books in our TBR piles.

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Board Books

La Catrina: Emotions - Emociones

by Patty Rodriguez & Ariana Stein

Lil' Libros, 2017

We. loved. this. book. The illustrations are so bright and wonderful. Each page has an emotion in both Spanish and English. In the 3 weeks that I had it home from the library, I bet I read it at least 50 times (I'm not kidding). Now my 20 month old son toddles around the house making all the hand motions to accompany the emotion (hand to the cheek with a shocked expression for surprise/sporendido, scratching his head for confused/confundido). He even walks up and says "amada" while giving us hugs. We will be buying this one for our home.

Animal Colors

by Christopher Silas Neal

little bee books, 2018

This was a fantastic read and a very creative color concept book. I love the mash up of both the colors and the wacky animals. What does a blue whale and a yellow lion make? A green whion of course!

Picture Books

Hank and Stella in Something For Nothing

by Damian Synadinos 

Proving Press, 2018

I haven't ever seen a book that introduces kids to improv before. It was a fun read that would make for a great rainy day book. I especially like the improv games included as back matter to get the creative juices going. You can read my full review here.

Poetry 

Cricket in the Thicket: Poems about Bugs

poems by Carol Murray

illustrations by Melissa Sweet

Henry Holt and Co., 2017

This was a wildly fun read. The poems were playful and informative. And the illustrations were fantastic too. My daughter and I both loved the nonfiction tidbits that accompanied each poem. 

Middle Grade

The Wild Robot

by Peter Brown

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2016

I cannot heap enough praise on this book as a read-aloud. My daughter and I read this together and it is simply wonderful. The chapters are super short, which make bedtime (or classroom) reading perfect because there is always an easy stopping point. The characters are all so lovable. My daughter especially enjoyed Chit Chat, the squirrel, who talks exactly how you'd picture a squirrel to talk. We cannot wait to pick up the sequel.

Circus Mirandus

by Cassie Beasley

Dial Books, 2015

Cassie Beasley is one of my new favorite authors. I read Tumble and Blue earlier in the year and thought it was wonderful. Circus Mirandus is just as good. I love a good circus story and Beasley does such a fantastic job of bringing the magic to life. She also does a magnificent job of taking serious, sorrowful topics (like the death of a loved one or a parent abandoning a child) and wrapping it in a story filled with magical realism and tangible characters so that the topics can be easily digested by a young reader. She doesn't pander, but delivers real emotions in a way that young readers can understand.

Young Adult

The Hate U Give

by Angie Thomas

Balzar + Bray, 2017

narrated by Bahni Turpin

HarperAudio 2017

I feel like I am late getting to this one, but I am so glad I finally read it. This book needs to be read and anyone and everyone. Sometimes I worry when tons of hype is put into something but the hype is absolutely well deserved. I listened to the audiobook and it was one of the best performed audiobooks that I have ever listened to. So so good and impactful. This book has the power to make change happen. I cannot wait to see the movie. 

Adult Fiction

The Supernatural Enhancements

by Edgar Cantero

Doubleday, 2014

I read Cantero's Meddling Kids last year and really enjoyed it--it's probably my favorite adult fiction book from the last few years. So I picked up this one and really liked it as well. It is basically a Victorian gothic horror story set in Virginia in the 1990s. Cantero walks the line of giving the reader just enough information to push the story forward while leaving a lot in the dark until the end. All around a fun read. His next book, This Body's Not Big Enough for the Both of Us--a hard boiled mystery where the protagonist detective is a set of twins stuck in one body--comes out in two weeks and I'm really excited to pick it up.

The Great Alone

by Kristin Hannah

St. Martin's Press, 2018

Excellent, excellent book. A lot about this struck home for me, which made it quite personal. I could really relate to Leni's circumstance. The descriptions of the Alaskan frontier were beautiful and wild. I felt like I was right there with the Allbrights. I especially liked how it is a very satisfying ending , but it's not wrapped up in a pretty bow and perfect. It felt real. Highly recommend. 

Nonfiction - Craft

Writing Irrestistible Kidlit: The Ultimate Guide to Crafting Fiction for Young Adult and Middle Grade Readers

by Mary Kole 

Writer's Digest Books, 2012

One of my writing group members lent me this book and it is fantastic. Because I have such a small amount of time to write, I have been looking for a book that could help me outline my current work-in-progress. This book was helpful during the planning stages of my novel and I believe it will also be very helpful during the revision stages as well. I will be adding this to my bookshelf for future reference. 

Poetry Friday - Lake Poetry Swap

It’s Friday! And you know what that means: Poetry! Want to know more about Poetry Friday? Click this link right here. And be sure to check out Heidi Mordhorst's blog, My Juicy Little Universe, to see this week’s round up of wonderful poetry related posts, blogs and goodness. 

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Hello and Happy Poetry Friday! I'm so glad that you stopped by. Things have been hectic with both the kiddos and my husband home for the summer. I love them all to death, but it feels like I am getting nothing done! I am still trying to savor it because I know school will start back up here in about a month. 

With all the craziness of summer, it was so nice to receive a summer poetry swap package from Irene Latham. Not only did she send a wonderful poem, but she also sent me this adorable turtle. He has found a comfy home with my other slow-moving stuffed animals. 

Knowing that I enjoy horror, Irene sent me a spooky poem about swimming in a lake. Little did she know that lakes really do give me the heebie jeebies! I live close to the ocean and don't think twice about all the sharks, jelly fish and rays when I go for a swim. But there is just something creepy about lakes. I just know that a monster tentacle is going to curl around my ankle one day and drag me down! Thanks, Irene for the fantastic poem.

Swimming in the Lake

by Irene Latham

It starts with a whisper

on my ankle,

a tickle on my thigh --

I kick and shiver:

are there alligators nearby?

Something bubbles,

something pops.

I see a head --

           my heart squeezes!

-- and a pair of eyes.

           my body freezes!

Help!

Get me out of here, quick!

What? It's just a stick?

Not a snaketurtlepirhanasharkALLIGATOR

hunting me now

for a feast later?

I wish I knew what to believe...

It ends with me

climbing the ladder,

crying, No more!

I think I like the lake better

from the shore.

SOMETHING FROM NOTHING by Damian Synadinos - Informational PB Review

Hank and Stella in Something from Nothing

by Damian Synadinos

At a Glance

Genre(s):

Informational picture book

Age Range: 

ages 5-10, but can be enjoyed by anyone who is interested in improv

Plot:

"Hank and Stella in Something from Nothing" is an engaging story with cute characters that introduces children to improv principles and skills that are as useful on stage as they are at play and in life" (source).

The story follows two stuffed animals as they make a boring rainy day more fun by learning about imrov.

Strengths:

• makes improv easy to understand for young children
• illustrations are bright and engaging
• a great tool when children say "I'm bored"
• a great tool to teach that it's okay to make mistakes

Would I recommend this title:

Yes, especially to those who are interested in improv

Full Review

I have seen various books on how to do improv, but they have always been geared towards adults or older teens. Enter Something from Nothing by Damian Synadinos, a picture book that teaches children the principles of improvisation in a fun and engaging way.

Hank and Stella show young readers how to play together, how to build their confidence and how to develop their imaginations. I especially like the fact that the book teaches children that it is okay to make mistakes and that we can grow and build on those small accidents.

One concept in the book is the "Yes, And" rule. It teaches a skill that I think is invaluable throughout life. Part of creativity and brainstorming in a team is building on what others say. Instead of shooting down and idea, you say "yes" and then continue to add your own input. This promotes innovation and collaboration.

I also love that the book comes with a list of improv games to get kids going. I can't wait to try them out with my own kids as I think that they will have a blast trying them out.

Overall, this is an excellent book for showing kids how much fun improv can be, and  that it doesn't have to be scary. The idea of standing up and performing on the spot kind of terrifies me. Maybe it wouldn't be so scary if I had something like this when I was a kid.

Poetry Friday - Sloth Poetry Swap

It’s Friday! And you know what that means: Poetry! Want to know more about Poetry Friday? Click this link right here. And be sure to check out Michelle Kogan's blog to see this week’s round up of wonderful poetry related posts, blogs and goodness. 

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Hello and happy Friday! I joined the Poetry Friday community last July and I had just missed the Summer Poetry Swap. So I have been looking forward to participating for nearly a year and I just sent off my 1st poem.

A word to the person who receives mine: I decided to do a concrete poem, and I hand wrote it. I apologize for my tiny chicken scratch! I do have a digital copy for you as well, so just let me know when you get it (I don't want to email early and ruin the fun) and I'll send it your way. I did write my email on the postcard, but I don't even trust my trying-to-be-neat handwriting. :)

I received my first poem of the swap this week and it was from none other than the amazing Tabatha Yeatts. She wrote me a sloth-themed poem and she even put cute sloth tape on the envelope. 

SLOTHS

by Tabatha Yeatts

for Rebecca

 

A sloth has fur so thick it lends

itself to sheltering small friends

Their shaggy selves might turn pea green

when algae is the friend who's seen

 then they match the leaves they eat

and their homey tree retreat.

 Since they create a habitat

for beetles, moths, and things like that,

 though people say they're solitary,

you might want to say "Not very!"

I loved her poem not only because it has to do with sloths, but she also included a little note about the community connection to our Poetry Friday community. She did say, though, that "that makes poetry the sloth and we're the bugs." That image makes me smile. Thank you, Tabatha.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? - 6/11/18

The weekly post where I recap some of the KidLit books I've been reading. Ocasionally, I'll also talk about some adult fiction books as well.

Be sure to check out Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers to see what other Kidlit readers are reading. Because, you know, we can never have too many books in our TBR piles.

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Picture Book 

Maurice the Unbeastly

written by Amy Dixon

illustrated by Karl James Mountford

Sterling Children's Books, 2017

I absolutely love this picture book. It is funny and heartfelt and just great. Both of my kids sat through multiple readings. Mountford's illustrations are fantastic. Highly recommend. 

Middle Grade

Evangeline of the Bayou

written by Jan Eldredge

illustrated by Joseph Kuefler

Balzer + Bray, 2018

Another fantastic read. I love excellent kidlit horror, and this one grabbed me from the get go. Highly recommend. Read my full review here.

Young Adult

Afterworlds

by Scott Westerfeld

Simon Pulse, 2014

Scott Westerfeld is always so consistent in his ability to tell a great story. This one was particularly fun because of the NaNoWriMo component. As an aspiring writer, I found myself easily cheering for the writer protagonist. The format of Afterworlds is pretty unique because it is essentially two books/stories wrapped together. Recommend. 

Adult Fiction

Glimpse: A Novel

by Jonathan Maberry

St. Martin's Press, 2018

I really enjoyed this book. It is creepy and unsettling and wonderful. The story is essentially about what happens when nightmares and reality collide and spill into each other. Jonathan Maberry, with all his amazing skill, has written a book about dreams that actually makes you feel like you are in a waking dream. And it's just fantastic.

EVANGELINE OF THE BAYOU by Jan Eldredge - Middle Grade Book Review

Evangeline of the Bayou

by Jan Eldredge

illustrated by Joseph Kuefler

Balzar + Bray, 2018

At a Glance

Genre(s):

supernatural, folklore, horror

Age Range: 

8-12 years old (middle grade)

Plot:

"Twelve-year-old haunt huntress apprentice Evangeline Clement spends her days and nights studying the ways of folk magic, honing her monster-hunting skills while pursuing local bayou banshees and Johnny revenants."

"But when Evangeline and her grandmother are called to New Orleans to resolve an unusual case, she uncovers a secret that will shake her to the soles of her silver-tipped alligator-skin boots." (source)

Strengths:

• excellent overall storytelling
• the mix of folklore was fantastic
• I liked Evangeline's character and I think kids will relate
• Just the right amount of creep factor for the age range
• Werewolves!
• illustrations were so much fun
• a twist actually surprised me 

Would I recommend this title:

Most definitely yes!

Full Review

If you have read my blog for any length of time, you'll know that I am always on the lookout for good kid appropriate horror. Evangeline of the Bayou totally fits the bill. I love all the folklore that Jan is able to pull into the novel. Her descriptions actually have me wanting more, in a good way. I want to go on every single hunt with Evangeline and her Grandma to see how each baddie--big and small--is handled. I hope that there will be a sequel.

Joseph Kuefler's black and white illustrations throughout the book are fun and add a bit to the creep factor without going overboard. 

I feel like Evangeline's character is relatable, especially to the target age group. That is what makes the book so great. Growing up, living up to expectations--both internal and external, death, and loss are all artfully intertwined into a story about a young girl fighting monsters. What is not to like?

One thing that I give total props to Jan for is getting me with a few twists. I usually have things all figured out by the end, but she got me.  I tip my hat to you, Madam. 

I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys folklore, spooky stories, or just great storytelling.

Poetry Friday - A Is for Alvarezsaurus

It’s Friday! And you know what that means: Poetry! Want to know more about Poetry Friday? Click this link right here. Be sure to check out Keisha Shepard's blog, Whispers from the Ridge, to see this week’s round up of wonderful poetry related posts, blogs and goodness. 

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Hello and Happy Friday! I am back from my fun (and exhausting!) trip to Tennessee. 13.5 hours driving (not including stops) in one day is a lot to do with two little ones in tow. But we made do. It is always great to see family and watch the cousins play together.

Animal Alphabets (an A-Z twitter drawing prompt, but I use it as a poetry prompt) just started fresh with a new theme of extinct animals. A was for Alvarezsaurus (which posted this past Monday) and I had some fun writing an acrostic for it. I meant to do a little sketch to go along with the poem (as it primarily is an illustration prompt) but I ran out of time. I am kind of glad that I did, because now I don't feel so much pressure to accompany each letter with a poem and a drawing. 

(c) Rebecca Herzog 2018

I was really excited when they announced the theme was extinct animals. I was thinking they would pick animals like the passenger pigeon, and the black rhinoceros. Well, next Monday, B is for Boreaspis! Boreaspis was a jawless fish from the Devonian period that had a long pointy snout. You can learn a bit more here. Ha! Piece of cake, right?