Before National Poetry Month comes to an end I wanted to write at least one post about poetry. Also, take a look at the blog Poetry for Children specifically this post about using poetry as an extension of picture book reading. In case you do not read the article. Here is a quote that just struck me as perfect.
"Often, children will “pocket” a rousing refrain or rhythmic phrase from the poem to enjoy on their own."
So, bird poetry wouldn't have occurred to me as a theme had I not read Today at the Blue Bird Cafe. There are over twenty delightful poems about different birds. As one reviewer on Amazon said, each poem would be a great starting point for an individual bird study. The illustrations are detailed and fun. There is much to see on each page. Here is one of the shorter poems.
The Quail
A certain bird
is so refined,
so brainy and smart and well-read,
that every time
he thinks a thought,
a comma pops out of his head.
Feathers Poems about Birds is wonderful and the illustrations compliment each of the 27 poems. Spinelli's words are paired with some of the best illustrators and this book is no exception. I always think of Lisa McCue's cute bunnies but I really enjoyed her playful birds. Here is another short poem from Feathers.
Wake Up
No rooster to wake us.
We're not on a farm.
But we have our very own
feathered alarm.
It drums before breakfast
on shingle and pole.
I think there's some rooster
in woodpecker's soul.
It's is not sophisticated poetry but it is a lot of fun to read. There are four books on my poetry sidebar that we read all the time.