Poetry Writing Workshops with Jayne Warren

Poet Jayne Warren will teach 2 poetry writing workshops at the library on March 18 for children in grades 3, 4, and 5. Jayne is a student at Smith College, and graduated from the Writing Studio at Walnut Hill School in 2008. She has published poems in numerous journals, including the 2006, 2007 and 2008 Blue Pencil, Walnut Hill's literary journal. Her poem, Chairlift at Nashoba Valley, was included in the recently published anthology Rough Places Plain, Poems of the Mountains, and she has taught several poetry workshops at the library in the past. The first workshop, from 3:30 - 4:15, will be for students in grades 3 and 4, and the second workshop, from 4:30 - 5:15, will be for students in grades 4 and 5. Registration is required and will begin on Monday, February 23. Call 781-320-1042 to register.

A River of Words by Jennifer Bryant

Yes, I know, some people will say this is a picture book and so doesn't belong on this blog, but it's a wonderful book, and it's about one of my favorite poets, William Carlos Williams. The book was just named a 2009 Caldecott Honors book for Melissa Sweet's collage-style artwork, which incorporates the text of many of Williams's poems. I have always thought Williams's poetry is well suited for children (check out the Poetry for Young People series book William Carlos Williams) and this book is sure to provoke new interest in his work. I never knew that he was a doctor! His poetry is so appealing, I just assumed that he was a full-time poet. It's certainly inspiring to learn that someone can be so accomplished as a writer when it's not even their full-time job. It's also funny to read about such a distinguished poet being called "Willy!" This book clearly satisfies the Caldecott requirement of being "distinguished." In the back of the book are a timeline of Williams's life, publications, and world events, and also notes by the Author and Illustrator which let the readers in on how the book came about. Review by Stacy Church

Blue by Elizabeth Collins

Blue

Blue is the sky,
Engulfing me,
Covering me,
Swallowing me
The expanse that takes up the whole world.
Blue is the ocean, the water
Dripping.
Flowing.
Streaming.
Gushing.
Blue is a baby’s blanket
Snuggled up against it,
Warm.
Nice.
Safe.
Blue is
Calm.
Safe.
Soft.
Huge.
Tiny.
Sleep.


Elizabeth Collins

Grade 6, Thurston Middle School