Happy Poetry Friday! (Wondering what Poetry Friday is? Click here.)
And, honestly, that story is the perfect illustration of why I need this book. Why kids and adults both need this book. Most of us are so busy all the time. I strive for mindfulness but often fail. I do an extremely brief sort of meditation in the morning (we’re talking single digit numbers here), and sometimes I can’t even just breathe and be for that long!
The tanka in this book, and the absolutely lovely full-spread illustrations by Anna Emilia Laitinen, are like one-minute vacations for your mind. As I read this book, my mind lets go a little bit. The weight of the heavy stock paper, the grounded words–it all feels so calming and reassuring. I took this to my critique group meeting earlier this week, and everyone sighed happily as they wandered through the book.
I have often wondered what we tell kids who are in horrible situations: refugees, people displaced by natural disasters, kids in abusive homes…So many times, we can offer limited practical, immediate help. And though the practical problems need to be solved, too, I would wish to place this book in the hand of every child in a dire situation. Because sometimes all they have is this moment. This breath. One of my favorite poems describes the narrator’s thoughts as leaves floating away–one leaf being worry, another sadness. I’ll share that one with you next month.
But this isn’t bibliotherapy. It’s wonderful poetry! Here’s another one of my favorites:
Interior spread from Breathe and Be, by Kate Coombs. Art by Anna Emilia Laitinen. Used with permission.
Some days I bark and snap
like a little dog. Instead
I will be a tree.
Leaves, branches, roots–patient
in summer, in fall, winter, spring.
–Kate Coombs, all rights reserved, from Breathe and Be
Next month, I’ll share another poem, and Kate will answer a question or two for me! Meanwhile, you can pre-order this book through your favorite indie bookseller or Amazon.
[Addended to add: Check out the lovely Breathe and Be story hour guide prepared by Kate and the publisher!]
And for lots of wonderful poetry today, don’t miss the Poetry Friday Roundup with Irene at Live Your Poem!
Oh my, this made my eyes well. Love that poem….I will be a tree. Thank you for sharing–on my list of books I NEED!
I hope you love the book, Rebekah. It feels almost like a tonic, which is an old-fashioned word, and the book does not feel old fashioned. But it is some kind of poetic remedy.
I told Kate I’m so happy for her – this sounds like a wonderful book! Thanks for sharing this glimpse inside.
It’s awesome. And guess whose book I got last night?
Yes, I hope Kate’s book sweeps the nation in a mindfulness movement for kids! You’re right, Laura – much-need for we adults too. xo
Ahhh….I see what you mean with that poem. I can feel myself letting go as I read it and let the words and illustrations soak in. I’m looking forward to seeing more and hearing from Kate next month!
Oh I need some breathe and be in my life right now. The poem and page spread are so refreshing…leaves me wanting to read more.
What a nice surprise that Kate has another poetry book coming out! It looks wonderful. Looking forward to more next month, Laura.
I’ve already bookmarked it, and it sounds fabulous, Laura. Thanks for sharing a ‘taste’!
This post is a great follow-up to my inspirational journey to the National Center for Families Learning 2017 Conference where I presented with the Wonderopolis Wonder Lead Ambassadors Team. Breathe and Be sounds like a minication to peacefulness.
I pre-ordered and can’t wait for my copy to arrive. Thanks for sharing one of the poems. Now, I’m even more anxious to read all of the poems in this collection.
Oh, my…..this book had me at the title, BREATHE. But, your review is wonderful. I too think we need this book for young people. And, I suspect it would sit VERY nicely on a middle school shelf. All that anxiety and angst are truly like a tree full of leaves ready to let go and drift on the breeze.
The illustrations are lovely, too. And what powerful imagery in such few words.
Lovely and inviting book Laura– I appreciate slowing down. I like the delicate quality to the art too Thanks for sharing it with us