"As loud as a stomping monster!
As loud as a truck in a tunnel!
As loud as a tiger roaring!
As loud as a wild wind whirling!
As quiet as a baby breathing.
As quiet as an apple on a branch.
As quiet as a feather falling onto the sand.
As quiet as the moon rising in the night."
Squirrel and Piglet are on vacation at the beach on two separate days when the weather is very different. Their first day is windy, wild and noisy; their second is still, peaceful and quiet. Tired, they lay on their beach towel, and remember their words from the two days. After repeating them, Piglet suggests that they have created a poem. Indeed, they have.
Following the telling of that story, Sean Taylor has a suggestion for emerging poets. He explains for them what a comparing poem is, and offers suggestions about writing one for themselves. Perhaps they might think of comparing bright/dark or light/heavy.
In other chapters, Mr. Taylor uses warm and entertaining stories about Piglet, his family and friends to present opportunities for thinking about poetry and how it works. Following the story, a kind of poem is described: a puddle poem, a making-a-person-out-of-something poem, an if-I-was poem, and finally, an I-would-give-you poem. Add to each a two-page spread labelled Writing Secrets meant to inspire young poets to use their senses, add details that are surprising, write with a partner, daydream before writing, and take time to give it your best.
As a huge fan of Sam Usher's work, his watercolor and ink artwork does not disappoint. His characters hold such appeal, and fully match the joy and encouragement Sean Taylor offers for taking time to give poetry a go. If you are one of those people who is wary of poetry, this book is a tremendous asset. What a truly original and creative way to get kids, their parents and teachers thinking about writing poetry based on experiences and ideas!
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