16 WORDS: William Carlos Williams and “The Red Wheelbarrow” written by Lisa Rogers and Illustrated by Chuck Groenink is a gentle story about a medical doctor who carefully studied his surroundings and became a Pulitzer Prize winning poet. This picture book is a celebration of small-town doctoring and of being able to notice the beauty around you.
Dr. Williams practiced in Rutherford, New Jersey and paid attention to everything including a wheelbarrow he saw through a window where he was tending a young patient. The wheelbarrow belonged to a farmer who used it to carry his vegetables to market. It is this “chance” sighting that moved Williams to write his famous 16-word poem about seeing a simple red wheelbarrow washed by the rain standing near chickens.
The charming illustrations capture farmer Thaddeus Marshall and Dr. Williams both going about their day with their tools in hand. The doctor has his stethoscope, prescription pad and typewriter and the farmer has his rake, watering can and wheelbarrow. The use of soft colors in hues of green and beige set the tone.
The Author’s Note is written in a genuine and personal manner. The author also includes a list of six other poems by William Carlos Williams that will appeal to young readers such as “This is Just to Say.”
16 Words: William Carlos Williams and “The Red Wheelbarrow” written by Lisa Rogers and illustrated by Chuck Groenink will introduce young readers 5-8 years of age to a vivid poetry style without capital letters, rhyme or punctuation (Schwartz and Wade Books, 2019).
Activity Questions for 16 WORDS
For younger children: Play this “I Spy” game by looking at the double spread illustration of Mr. Marshall and Dr. Williams going in opposite directions as they walk through the town. Find the following items in this illustration: Mr. Marshall, Dr. Williams, a butcher, a basket of eggs, a dog trying to get something to eat, a violin case, a girl reading, a cat, birds and a picture of a pig. Look up and down the streets. Have fun!
For older children: In this book a doctor just happens to look outside a window and just happens to see something that made an impression on him----a wheelbarrow. Have you ever looked out a window and seen something that interested you? Go ahead now and try it. Look out a window and see what happens to be there and is super interesting to you. Now draw a picture of it.
In sixteen words describe what you saw. Do not use rhyme or punctuation. Just put down what you saw and how it made you feel.
The author has provided you with the titles of five other poems by William Carlos Williams on the last page of this book. Go online and find one that you enjoy. Think about why you enjoy the poem.
