How to Write a Poem written by Newbery Medalist Kwame Alexander and Deanna Nikaido and illustrated by Caldecott Honoree Melissa Sweet is a charming book that asks the reader to take both personal and delightful actions. “Close your eyes, open the window of your mind, and climb out, like a seedling reaching for tomorrow.”
As the story moves forth, young readers become more and more deeply involved with sounds, sights, words, feelings and poetry.
The Illustrations by Melissa Sweet are cleverly adorned with wheels and connectors as she visually brings kids together not only with each other but also with the universe. Hot orange, bright yellow and crisp green colors energize the visual impact. These awesome illustrations are rendered in watercolor, gouache, mixed media, handmade papers, and beach pebbles! The illustration of three children on a magnificent bicycle build for three and headed for the moon is terrific.
This book will take youngsters to “the sea of their imagination” where they will feel the joy of connectedness and poetry. There is a poem by Nikki Giovanni before the story begins which talks about the need for understanding the concept of wheels and connectors.
How to Write a Poem written by Kwame Alexander and Deanna Nikaido and illustrated by Melissa Sweet is a beautiful trip through the land of poetry for children 4-8 years of age and up (Quill Tree Books/ HarperCollins Publishers).
The Children’s Bookshelf is a production of WCMU. Links to the podcast and the Activity Questions can be found at Children’s Bookshelf dot org.
Activity Questions for How to Write a Poem
Older Readers: Throughout the book the illustrator has included pieces cut out from a dictionary. Find the following words and their meanings: versification, panorama, illustrated and glow. How do these words relate to this book?
Older Readers: Read what poet Nikki Geovanni says about wheels and connectors. It can be found on a page prior to the start of the story. What do you think it means?
Younger Readers: Where do you think the three girls on a blue bicycle are going? Draw a picture of yourself on that blue bicycle. Make sure you have everything you need for this journey.
