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Bus Trip to the Giant’s Causeway — a Haibun
Happy Poetry Friday, and happy New Year to you! Welcome, everyone! (Wondering what Poetry Friday is? Click here.) I always feel like I’m at confession when it’s time for a Poetry Sisters post. This month is no different. I don’t like haibun. In fact, if you’ve posted them in the past, I’ve probably read just
There Was a Small Child Who Lived in a Book
Happy Poetry Friday! (Wondering what Poetry Friday is? Click here.) Such a busy time, and so much is going on! Randy had shoulder surgery a couple of weeks ago, and his healing is going right on schedule. Which is to say, incredibly slowly. All is good, but I’m exhausted. As I sit here on Thursday
Happy Holidays!
Almost mid-December! I’ll be stepping back over the holidays to celebrate, spend time with my family, and think about 2025. To all my teacher and librarian friends, and all my friends in this crucial business of raising up kids through education, through literacy, through beautiful books–HAPPY HOLIDAYS! I’ll see you in January :>) [My
NCTE and Poems and Picture Books as Conversation Starters
Wow, NCTE. What a hurricane of hugs, sessions, reunions, ideas. I shared a boatload of images on social media, so please do check out my Instagram or Facebook accounts (@laurapsalas for both) if you want a peek. Meanwhile, the session that I presented with Matt Forrest Esenwine, Charles Waters, and Michelle Schaub was fabulous! What
“Irish Souvenirs,” a Poem Inspired by Jane Hirshfield’s “Two Versions”
Happy Poetry Friday! Welcome, everyone! (Wondering what Poetry Friday is? Click here.) And happy Thanksgiving, if you celebrate! Also, I got to see some Poetry Friday regulars at NCTE! Waving at Denise Krebs, Matt Forrest Esenwine, Mary Lee Hahn, and Liz Garton Scanlon–and pry some others, though I’m drawing a blank right now. It was
Happy Crafting in the Classroom
I think most educators have known for a long time that arts and crafts aren’t just for filling time or replacing recess on rainy days. They contribute to overall well-being, too. The author of a new study even says, “Governments and national health services might consider funding and promoting crafting, or even socially prescribing these
31 Diverse Picture Books
Doing Good Together is a fabulous national nonprofit focusing on raising kids who contribute and who care. I was so pleased to share We Belong during their October Festival of Giving, right after I returned from Ireland. And we wrote a group We Belong poem together, too! The DGT folks are lovely, and they have
NCTE & Lost at Sea
Happy Poetry Friday, and welcome to you, no matter how you wandered in! (Wondering what Poetry Friday is? Click here.) First up…NCTE. Will you be there? I will! Now, for Poetry Friday this week, I’m sharing another poem inspired by our Ireland trip. You might remember that a few weeks ago, I mentioned trying to
Oskar’s Voyage Sails in Midwest Book Review
Reviews matter, and a review in a well-respected journal is such an honor. Midwest Book Review journeyed through Oskar’s Voyage recently and concluded: “An original and fun read from start to finish, ‘Oskar’s Voyage’ from the Minnesota Historical Society Press is unreservedly recommended for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book
Dublin Dinner Cruise, a Set of Pebble Wonder Poems
Happy Poetry Friday! (Wondering what Poetry Friday is? Click here.) I apologize if I didn’t comment on your post last week. I’m having issues logging in to comment when I’m on my phone :>( I’m writing this post on Election Day as I steadfastly try to calm my nerves. The seeming seclusion of the canal
Who Inspired Me to Write Picture Books?
On the surface, Dav Pilkey and I have nothing in common as writers. His work is loud, bold, raucous, funny, and uber-popular! My work tends to be not quite as…well, any of those things! But one of Dav Pilkey’s books switched on a neon light in my head that flashed: I must write picture books!
Bike Tour of Howth
Happy Poetry Friday and welcome, whoever you are! I’m glad you’re here. (Wondering what Poetry Friday is? Click here.) I have a broken toe–what the heck. I have no time for this. And I’m grouchy from no treadmill desk, no gym, etc. I finally went to urgent care after 10 days. It’s broken, but nothing
Shorts for Booktalking Line Leads the Way
Thank goodness for adult daughters. My daughter Maddie made these two fun little shorts for Line Leads the Way. <3 Enjoy! More about Line Leads the Way here. [My Classroom Connections posts share a way to connect one of my books or poems to a classroom topic–often something timely that you might be covering in
Knitting Demolition
Happy Poetry Friday! Welcome, everyone, whether you’re brand new or a regular! (Wondering what Poetry Friday is? Click here.) I’ve been away for a couple of weeks because I was in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Randy and I were so lucky to see so much beauty. I’m sure I’ll share more about it in the
Time for Fall Knitting and Celebrating Bookiversaries!
Let’s talk about fall—my favorite season! It’s the perfect time to break out some knitted goodies. I’ve been working on this circular vest thingamabob for so many months! Most of the time I haven’t been actually knitting…just trying to figure out the abysmal can’t‑really-be-called-a-pattern! I think it’s destined for the garbage, so I’m afraid to
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Are You Looking For?
Go to my Poetry page for:
- National Poetry Month projects through the years
- Small Reads Roundups (poems grouped by topic)
- Introductions to several favorite poetry forms