Happy Poetry Friday! (Wondering what Poetry Friday is? Click here.)
Finally, I have read This Poem Is a Nest, by Irene Latham (illus by Johanna Wright, Wordsong). For my birthday, BACK IN OCTOBER, I bought this book and Whale Day by Billy Collins from my lovely indie, Red Balloon. These were my birthday gifts to myself. First, I was surprised because I had expected a picture book–I guess just because the cover is so dang gorgeous. So I opened it and was a bit startled. Then I started to read the nest poem at the beginning, and it was pretty long. I thought, “I guess I’d better wait until I have the time to really relax with this.”
Then it was February. Seriously.
Anyway, I read this poetry collection in one sitting–not rushing, but I just couldn’t put it down. I shouldn’t have let the initial nest poem throw me off a bit. The nestlings are all super short and startlingly beautiful. I had to keep reading to see what she came up with next. I’ve already re-read it once and expect I’ll come back to it often. The language is just amazing. And while I wish the book could be stuffed with full-color art by Wright, her digital ink wash art is spare and fitting for Irene’s words. I’m going through some things with my writing and books recently, and I’m feeling all the feels, as the kids say. So on my re-read, this is the spread that spoke to me, especially the vulnerable poem.
from This Nest Is a Poem, by Irene Latham, illus by Johanna Wright (Wordsong)
One of my favorite poetry collections in a while–don’t miss it. (And I know I’m late to this party and many of y’all have already read it!) And teachers, Irene has printables of a number of longer poems that your students can find nestlings in. Find them on Irene’s poetry books page.
And for lots of wonderful poetry, don’t miss the Poetry Friday Roundup with Molly at Nix the Comfort Zone, who captures poems in words and photos.
PS I’m off the grid for a few days spending time with our daughter and son-in-law, so I likely won’t get around to the PF posts this week! I’ll miss your lovely posts!
Laura, I bought Irene’s amazing book, This Nest Is a Poem and I love it! I slowly read each page; reread each nestling, and go to her nest poem to find the words. Then, I set the book aside for a time so I can unwrap it like a new present! It is fun. I open to a new page and my jaw drops opens up in WOW all over again! I wish I was still teaching poetry to use her book and technique with students. Just like Irene said in her book I’m finding nestlings everywhere, which is exciting. I know students will be excited to find nestlings. The spread that you pictured here speaks to me, also. Thank you for sharing.
Yes! That’s the way to read this book, and more how I read it on the re-read. It’s so quick and at the same time so deserving of reading slowly and thinking. THanks for stopping by Gail!
I see we both have Irene’s book on our minds today, Laura! Ingenious concept, isn’t it?
It is an awesome book and creation, I agree, Laura.
I haven’t read it yet, but I want to!
I can totally relate to these lines: “Then it was February. Seriously.” Time seems to be moving differently this year. On another note, Irene’s book is wonderful! I haven’t read the whole thing, but have dipped in here and there and alway emerge refreshed, inspired and amazed. Wow! Thanks for reminding me to dip in again as I have some time luxuriously stretching ahead of me this week. Enjoy your family time!
Yes, it is a book to return to. Irene’s short little nestlings a so clever and meaningful.
I agree with you that this book was just amazing. Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com