"A baby dog is called a puppy
a little cow's a calf
a baby bed is called a crib
a quarter's not a half
a baby plant is called a cutting
a tiny fly's a gnat
a little man is still a man
nothing changes that"
As I read and reread these remarkable poems, I would choose one to begin the post. I would type it on the page, move forward, and find another to replace it. That is to say there are many of the 23 poems in this newly-translated book of poetry that comes to readers from the Netherlands that are worthy of attention. Lucky we are to be able to share all 23 poems with our children.
Each of the poems offers the perspective that comes from a young girl who experiences the daily pleasures and concerns of childhood. She is fully aware of the world, both indoors and outside. Like other children, she wants a dog, has dreams, plays teacher for her stuffies, dislikes the smell of a baby's full diaper, is sometimes hurt, and wonders about clouds. Each poem considers her daily thoughts about her own world.
"grandma is wrinkles
grandma is kind
grandma is cuddles
and grandma is old
her hair is made of silver
and her teeth are made of gold"
An opening note about the drawings is spot on ...
... are like a color palette, comparable to the moods of a small child that can quickly switch from light to dark. Marit Tornqvist came up with a new recipe for each poem, using materials from gouache and acrylic paint to charcoal and ink, from watercolor and pastels, in an attempt to build a child's world ...
What a truly wonderful book this is. Please don't miss it!
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