Preorder I'VE GOT A BAD CASE OF POETRY

Bandersnatch Books, the publisher of my middle grade novel in verse Mari in the Margins, is releasing a new children's poetry anthology titled I've Got a Bad Case of Poetry this year! You may have seen posts about the kickstarter campaign. The kickstarter is over, and the project is fully funded (yay!), but you can still preorder the book via kickstarter. 

I'm excited to be a part of this anthology, along with both of my daughters and 59 other poets! It's going to be a beautiful book full of original poems edited by Rachel S. Donahue, and fully illustrated with watercolor paintings by Emily J. Person.

My poem "Popcorn, Please!" and four more of my poems will be in this book!

Just Launched: I've Got a Bad Case of Poetry Kickstarter Campaign

Today is the launch day for the Kickstarter campaign for the Bandersnatch Books forthcoming poetry anthology, I've Got a Bad Case of Poetry. I’m thrilled to be part of this children’s poetry anthology with 61 other talented poets (including my two daughters). Together, we’ve created something delightful for young readers and their families.

I'm excited to be a part of this project because I love the work that Bandersnatch Books is putting out into the world. Though I've published many poems in the past, this will be the first anthology that I'm published in! It's also very special to share that "first" with my daughters, Julia McMullen and Samantha Coté, both of whom are very talented poets.

This book is edited by Rachel S. Donahue, a talented poet herself and the Chief Creative Officer for Bandersnatch Books, and gorgeously illustrated by Emily J. Person. 

The campaigns runs from now until March 11, 2025. I hop you will check out the Kickstarter and help us bring this dream to life!

An Announcement of Poetic Proportions

If you've got 40 seconds to spare, I'd like to tell you about the middle grade manuscript that I've been working on since 2014, which will soon be a published book!

 

I wrote about it a couple of years ago, when my agent at the time started submitting it. The manuscript made its way to so many editors' desks, and even earned a request for me to revise and resubmit. That didn't work out. And my agent and I have since parted ways. But now it's going to be published, and I couldn't be more excited about it!

If you'd like to keep up to date with all the details about this book and other news, subscribe to my newsletter, Snippets and Sketches, which is now on Substack. 

A mood board I made for 
MARI IN THE MARGINS

Weekend Wisdom: Ted Kooser on Keeping A Journal

Wise words from one of my favorite poets. Do you keep a journal? 

Poetry and Summer Reading

Wow, summer is almost here again! In my part of the world, high school graduations are happening and the last day of school for most other students is this Friday. And it's been nearly two months since I've written an update! So here are a couple things I've been meaning to write about combined into one short post.

1. Poetry! In my last post I mentioned that I had planned to write a poem a day for National Poetry Month. And I did! Well, I wrote at least part of a poem every day during April. By the end of the month I had 32 new poems, most of which still need some polish. During that self-imposed writing challenge, I was intentional about trying some new poetic forms, and one of them even inspired me to write a whole collection! 

I also read a lot of poetry, mostly collections written for children. Here are a few of my favorites:

Clackety Track: Poems about Trains by Skila Brown, illustrated by Jamey Christoph. This is an engaging, varied, fun-to-read book about the various types of trains, and includes back matter that describes each type of train featured in the book. 

Beastly Verse by Joohee Yoon, a wonderful assortment of poems about various "beasts," with vivid illustrations that are sure to catch any young reader's eye.

After Dark: Poems About Nocturnal Animals by David L. Harrions, illustrated by Stephanie Laberis. This is a lovely book that is creative, educational, and a delight to read aloud. 

2. Summer reading. My kids are all grown up, so I'm not planning to sign them up for the local library's summer reading program and bring them to the library at least once a week this summer. But I am an advocate for reading, and it's almost summer, so that means that it's almost time for the second annual Read, Discuss, Do! Summer Challenge! 

Read, Discuss, Do! began several years ago as a simple graphic I created and shared on social media aimed at simplifying the idea of story time. From there it became a social media campaign, then a series of blog posts, and now it has its own website. Last year, my team and I launched the website with the Read, Discuss, Do! Summer Challenge aimed at helping parents, caregivers, and educators connect with kids by reading (and discussing and doing) with them over the summer. 

It's not your typical summer reading challenge. There's no page-counting or book logging required. It's all about pairing books with summer fun! The fun officially begins on June 3. If you would like to be involved, you can out more at readdiscussdo.com!

What are your summer plans for summer reading?

A Poem for Mom

I lost my mom in the beginning of December, and my mind is still trying to come to terms with the fact that she's not going to be around any more. I miss her random texts, her hugs, her little nuggets of wisdom that she was always quick to share. One of those nuggets of wisdom was when I was fifteen and heartbroken over a breakup. "Write about it," Mom said. Thirty years later, heartbroken over losing my mama, I tried to write about it, and I began with the first few lines of the poem below. But there was just so much--too much--to condense into a poem. Then my brother asked me to speak at Mom's funeral. I thought, what better way to honor my mom than to finish the poem and read it aloud to those who knew and loved her? So I did, with a little help from my daughters when it got too hard. This is A Poem for Mom, written primarily to my six siblings.

A Poem for Mom

What can we say

about losing our mother?

We are not unique in our

grieving,

in our loss.

And yet

we are.

Countless before us have lost their mothers.

But no one has ever lost

OUR mother.

Our mother,

this big-hearted, song-filled woman

whose voice was the sound of poetry

and praise,

of soft-spoken words of encouragement.

Of scoldings,

of sobs.

And laughter too.

The kind that sometimes disguised itself 

as crying.

There was no denying

for her

how she felt

at any given moment.
It was always as clear

as her bright blue eyes,

as evident

as the laugh lines

on her cheeks.

Mother was not one

for subtlety. 

And yet,

she left quietly

with all of us wondering

how she felt

what she was thinking

 

our own hearts

sinking

as she left us behind

to enter her heavenly home,

arms raised,

blue eyes shining with happy tears

and on her lips

a joyful

boisterous

song.

Mask Fatigue, a Poem for National Poetry Month

Image source: Canva

Mask Fatigue

I'm tired of masks.

Aren't you?

Those closed doors,

those mufflers,

those smile stiflers

that limit connection,

silence talk

and end up strewn about the sidewalk

and parking lot

by people who care not

for cleanliness

or decency,

at least not more than they care 

for themselves

and the way the masks make them feel caged.

I think that's why they cast them aside

without thought for the one

who comes behind them,

clearing carelessness from the ground

one mask at a time,

her weary frown hidden

behind a mask of her own.

© 2021 Rebecca J. Gomez 

Art, Poetry, and Scary New Things

Fireflies by Rebecca J. Gomez

What did you want to be when you grew up? Have you ever felt like you had to choose between two things that you loved? 

For me, those two things have always been art and writing, especially poetry. Throughout my life, art and writing have competed for my attention and my time. As a high school student, art was my focus. Art was my future career! I had my poetry, but that was for me, mostly. It was like therapy for my emotional teenage self. Not much more.

But you know how plans go. Things changed. I pursued my art for a while, painting watercolors of flowers and doing commissioned portraits in pencil. I even made a little money. Emphasis on little. Then, my writing started to take hold again. I wasn't just writing emotional poems, but stories. And, to my surprise, I loved it. Gradually, writing became my focus and art became my hobby. My therapy. 

Funny how those things go, isn't it? 

As I had more and more success in my writing career, I would sometimes make timid attempts at making my art a part of it. But it was scary, and I didn't get much farther than a half-hearted attempt at illustrating one of my books and a few illustrations published in children's magazines. So my art stayed mostly in the background. Little more than a hobby.

Then, I got an idea for a book. A novel in verse told partly in doodles and art journal pages. Could I do it? Would it work? Maybe it could!

You know how ideas can be. Sometimes they take hold and won't let you go, no matter how timid you feel about pursuing them. 

I wrote the book. I did the doodles. I created the art journal pages (some of them anyway). 

To make a long, boring story slightly less long and boring, years passed. I parted ways with my agent. Then, over a year and a half of querying later, a new agent loved my verse novel enough to offer me representation! 

Now that manuscript is out in the world. With my poetry. AND my art. This all feels entirely too real and scary. 

But it also tells me that my art doesn't have to remain just a hobby. And I am excited about the possibilities. 

National Poetry Month: Downfall

We had a beautiful April snowfall recently. The kind of snow that coats everything it touches and makes the world feel soft and snug, like a hug. But the thin layer that was left behind on the deck steps after being shoveled and tromped on was not so friendly.


Downfall

The snow is fluffy, soft and nice
but not the ice.
It's slip-slick
quick
enjoys the sick trick
of pulling at your shoes
making you lose your
footing
fall,
call out
flail about.
CRACK!
On your back
seeing nothing by sky.

You get up
back on your feet
noting your body's warning:
You're gonna be sore in the morning.

But you smile at the not-so-nice ice
as it chuckles with glee,
because, wait and see.
Soon the sun will be high in the sky
and the slip-slick ice will melt
then dry.
Good-bye!

© 2020 Rebecca J. Gomez

National Poetry Month: The Puppy in the Grass

Last week was my and my hubby's 26th wedding anniversary. In celebration, my hubby got me the sweetest little gift ever. Her name is Lucy (as in Lucy Pevensie, aka Queen Lucy the Valiant), and she's a Morkie. Over the last week my life has been taken over by a tiny ball of fluff, so it may not surprise you that a few of the poems I've written for National Poetry Month have been about her. Here's one.

The Puppy in the Grass 

The puppy in the grass scampers
like a four legged toddler, so tiny
the blades of grass graze her belly.

She leaps, topples, flops
as she chases after the toy poodle.
He towers over her, turns away
as she darts under his tummy
like a hobbit under a horse.

But there are no arrows threatening her.
No bloodthirsty orc hunting her through the trees.
Just a gust of wind,
the call of a bird,
a car door slamming across the street.

To her, the unknown is danger,
and I am like an Ent,
strong arms ready
to carry her away.

© 2020 Rebecca J. Gomez

Lucy and our toy poodle, Gimli. 

National Poetry Month: Teddy Bear in the Window

It's National Poetry Month! My main goal for the month is to write a new poem every day. So far, I haven't missed a day. That isn't saying much, considering we're only two days in, but I very nearly forgot yesterday.

My poem for April 1st was inspired by the Bear Hunt game that communities around the country have put together to entertain children and families in this time of social distancing. If you've seen any Teddy Bears hanging out in windows lately, you might know what I'm talking about. If you haven't heard of it, this article will tell you everything you need to know.

And now, the poem!

Teddy Bear in the Window

He sits
and stares
with blank black eyes.
It's no surprise that he doesn't really see,
but still, he waits,
anticipates the moment when
a minivan will round the corner

slow

       stop

with windows in the lowest position.

A child will poke her head out
and shout, "I see one!"
A little brown bear
pressed against the living room glass,
longing for
a hug.

© 2020 Rebecca J. Gomez

Review: I'M JUST NO GOOD AT RHYMING

The title just about says it all for I'M JUST NO GOOD AT RHYMING and Other Nonsense for Mischievous Kids and Immature Grown-ups by Chris Harris, illustrated by Lane Smith.

Doesn't the title alone make you want to flip open this book to find out what mischievous stuff is going on in there? Do it! You won't be sorry. This delightful book of poetry has something to amuse every kid or kid at heart, whether they think they like poetry or not. The poem "Out on the Farm on a Saturday Night" alone is more than worth the effort. What does an upside-down cow sound like? How about a sideways cow? I bet you're wondering!

Full of fun word play, irresistible humor, and clever poem structures, not to mention delightful illustrations, I'M JUST NO GOOD AT RHYMING is a must-have poetry book for every home or classroom library. Whether during National Poetry Month or All Year Long, it would be nonsensical for you to miss out on this brilliant book of poems!

I borrowed it from the public library. And I don't want to bring it back. So I guess I better go buy my own copy. You come too! Or go check it out at the library. But don't forget to bring it back, no matter how tempting it is to keep it for yourself!

Eight Perfectly Poetic Picture Books

When you think of poetry for kids, does your mind jump to poetry collections like Shel Silverstein's A LIGHT IN THE ATTIC and Jack Prelutsky's IT'S RAINING PIGS AND NOODLES, or the poems published in magazines like HIGHLIGHTS FOR CHILDREN and LADYBUG?

If so, you're not alone. But some of the best poetry for kids comes in the form of picture books. Not a collection of poems in the form of a picture book, but a picture book that tells a complete story in verse.

This is not necessarily referring to a picture book written in rhyme. While there is obviously a poetic element to a rhyming picture book story, a poetic picture book does more than tell a story with fun language, even meter, and rhyming text. The entire book, whether rhyming or not, reads and feels like poetry. Because it is poetry!

Verse is a powerful storytelling tool. The language is lyrical, often rhythmic (even when it doesn't rhyme), and there is an intimate, emotional quality with verse that often escapes traditional prose.Verse draws the reader in in order to share an experience, not merely relate a story.

The eight books listed below are books that I believe are stunning examples of picture books that utilize verse to its fullest effect. I hope you will use them to help open the eyes of young readers in your life to the world of poetry in picture book text.

A DANCE LIKE STARLIGHT by Kristy Dempsey, illustrated by Floyd Cooper

Told in a flowing, free verse style, this picture book about a young girl's dreams of becoming a ballerina is sure to tug on your heart strings. Floyd Cooper's warm illustrations perfectly capture the life of the text.

DOGKU by Andrew Clements

This is a sweet story of a dog finding a home, told completely in haiku.

WON TON: A CAT TALE TOLD IN HAIKU by Lee Wardlaw, illustrated by Eugene Yeltsin

Another pet story told in haiku, this book is both amusing and touching.

HOUSE HELD UP BY TREES by Ted Kooser, illustrated by Jon Klaassen

Let's just say I wish more of Ted Kooser's poetry would be published in picture book form!

TWILIGHT CHANT by Holly Thompson, illustrated by Jen Betton

This book is beautifully lyrical, with illustrations to match. It perfectly captures the almost magical feeling of twilight.

OVER IN THE WETLANDS by Caroline Starr Rose, illustrated by Rob Dunlavey

I've never been in the midst of a hurricane, but the text and illustrations in this book make me feel like I'm *almost* there!

A HOUSE THAT ONCE WAS by Julie Fogliano, illustrated by Lane Smith

This book perfectly captures the adventurous, mysterious feel of exploring an abandoned structure.

ONE DAY IN THE EUCALYPTUS, EUCALYPTUS TREE by Daniel Bernstrom, illustrated by Brenden Wenzel

The language in this book is perfection. It captures the silly, exaggerated feel of the folksy tale, with words and sounds that at once bounce off the page and roll off the tongue. It is an absolute joy to read!

Five Verse Novels I Read in April, and What I Thought of Them

National Poetry Month has come to an end.

I didn't do much on the blog for Poetry Month this year, but I did set goals for myself personally. Those goals were: read 5 new verse novels and write 10 new poems.

Did I make it? Yes! Admittedly, I wrote two of the poems today after realizing that I was only up to eight. But that counts!

I'm not prepared to share any of the poems I wrote in the past thirty days, but I'm always happy to share about books I read! Here are the 5 verse novels I read this month, along with some quick thoughts about each one:

TO STAY ALIVE: MARY ANN GRAVES AND THE TRAGIC JOURNEY OF THE DONNER PARTY by Skila Brown

This book was engaging, beautifully written, and a bit horrifying at times. Highly recommended! See my full review here.

RONIT & JAMIL by Pamela L. Laskin

I was disappointed in this book, primarily because it was hard to follow and I felt that the romance was poorly developed. It has some beautiful language and form poetry, but it just didn't work for me as a novel.

I DON'T WANT TO BE CRAZY by Samantha Schutz

This book was a little different in that it was a memoir. I found the verse format to be effective and the writing to be engaging, though the book ended a bit too abruptly.

ONE by Sarah Crossan

This is a beautifully written and heartbreaking story about conjoined twins. Loved it!

YOU CAN FLY: THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN by Carol Boston Weatherford

This is a quick read that is both engaging and inspiring. It's a bit different in that it is historical, and it's told in 2nd person.


Did you read any verse novels or write any poems this month? I'd love to hear about it!

Swallowing a Hair: An Author Event Horror Story (in verse)

In honor of National Poetry Month, here is a story in verse form from my first ever author event. This moment makes me cringe a little bit every time I think of it. I can only hope this poem does the same for you.


You know that feeling
when you sense a strand of hair
stuck to your tongue,
a foreign object that makes you want to gag
and spit
like a cat with a hairball
and you can't focus on ANYTHING
besides pulling it off
no matter how many
delicate
desperate
pinches
of your thumb and forefinger
it takes?

It was exactly that.

Except

I was powerless in that moment,
standing with my book in my hands,
smiling back at the small crowd of faces,
some familiar,
some new,
all eager to hear
what I had to say,
all eager to hear me
read my book
publicly
for the first time
EVER.

Perhaps I could have excused myself,
turned around,
pinched at the surface of my tongue,
and it would have been over
and forgotten
in a matter of seconds.

But

I didn't want that image in the minds
of my audience.

It took every bit of fortitude I possessed
but I forged ahead,
pretending that
the invisible, coiled intruder didn't exist
until
at a moment I cannot pinpoint,
it was gone,
washed down my throat
with a trace
of swallowed saliva.

An Acrostic for October

Because I love October so much, I thought I would dig back through the blog a few years and share this poem with you again. Happy October!

Overhead, the

Canopy of green

Turns to gold, breaks free

On autumn

Breezes,

Escaping before the cold winter

Rush

(c) Rebecca J. Gomez 2010

Poetry Week by Week: Haiku challenge!

It is the final day of Poetry Month and the final challenge for Poetry Week by Week! I hope you have enjoyed following along as we celebrated poetry for the past month.

And now it is time for the haiku challenge!

It has been raining a lot around here. Hailing too. I love a good rainstorm, especially when it brings with it a decent amount of thunder and a little bit of pea sized hail. When I love something, I often want to write about it, so that explains the inspiration for the haiku I am sharing with you today.

Click clack tip tap ping!

On the windows, walls, and doors.

Hail says, "Let me in!"

I hope this exploration of poetry has inspired you in some way. National Poetry Month may be coming to a close, but poetry can be enjoyed any time by anyone!

Poetry Week by Week: Six Brilliant Haiku Books for Kids

I believe that haiku is a very accessible form of poetry for kids, both to read and to write. Haiku is short, and the "rules" are simple (and can be bent a little). In all the haiku books I've read in preparation for and during this Poetry Week by Week celebration, a few gems stand out. I hope you will take the time to read them and enjoy them as much as I did!

GUYKU: A Year of Haiku for Boys by Bob Racza, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

Don't be fooled. This book is not only for boys, but according to the author it was inspired by boys and the things they do. This book celebrates all the things that outdoor loving kiddos enjoy doing throughout the year. It is a delight to read!

I Haiku You by Betsy Snyder

This is a collection of haiku about love. Love between friends, for family, for pets, or things that people (especially kids) enjoy. Quite a charming little book!

DOGKU by Andrew Clements, illustrated by Tim Bowers

A picture book, told completely in haiku form, about a stray dog finding a home. Dogs and haiku--what a perfect combination!

If Not for the Cat by Jack Prelutsky, illustrated by Ted Rand

A gorgeous collection of haiku about various animals, from one of the most beloved children's poets. 

WON TON: A Cat Tale Told in Haiku and WON TON and CHOPSTICK: A Cat and Dog Tale Told in Haiku, by Lee Wardlaw, illustrated by Eugene Yelchin

If you've been following along, you will have seen my review of WON TON and CHOPSTICK that I posted yesterday. Both of these books are adorable, sweet stories about new pets and are told completely in haiku form. Don't miss them!

Do you have any favorite haiku books? I'd love to hear about them. 

Poetry Week by Week: Haiku: Review of WON TON AND CHOPSTICK

Last year during National Poetry Month I reviewed the adorable book WON TON: A CAT TALE TOLD IN HAIKU by Lee Wardlaw. This year, I'm moving on to its companion, WON TON AND CHOPSTICK: A CAT AND DOG TALE TOLD IN HAIKU.

This book is as charming and adorable as the first one. Won Ton, now happily content in his home with his boy, finds his life disrupted when the family brings home a puppy! Told completely in a series of haiku verses, this story is clever and sweet and funny. Best of all, Won Ton's voice is every bit as catlike as it is in the original.

If you haven't read these books, you should. They are perfect for anyone who loves stories told in poetic forms, especially if they are fond of pets!

Poetry Week by Week: Guest Poet Kristy Dempsey

I am excited to have my friend and fellow picture book author Kristy Dempsey join us to celebrate haiku for the last week of Poetry Month (and the last week of my Poetry Week by Week Celebration and Challenge)! I am honored that she took a little time out of her busy life as a mom, wife, author and librarian to share a few haiku with us.

Welcome Kristy!

I tend to think of haiku as nature poems, and I also tend to have a sense of wonder and curiosity about nature, so I am always asking questions of nature as I observe. These poems definitely reflect that. Also, I like ending haiku with a question because I think it invites the reader to reflect.

Solitary guard

Single sentinel on watch

Will they ever hatch?

Twinkle, twinkle star

Behind the clouds, you’re out there

Make your wish for me?

An army of ants

marched past this rock, little one

Did you lose your way?

About the poet:

Kristy Dempsey grew up in South Carolina and now works as a teacher-librarian in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, a bustling city of 5 million people. She is the author of Me with You (Philomel), Mini Racer (Bloomsbury), Surfer Chick (Abrams) and A Dance Like Starlight (Philomel), a JLG selection, ALA Notable Book, Bank Street Best of 2015, CCBC 2015 Choice, and the winner of the 2015 Golden Kite Award for Picture Book Text. Four more picture books will publish in 2016, including Superhero Instruction Manual (Knopf, May 2016), a guidebook for the youngest aspiring heroes. 

Be sure to check out Kristy's website and blog, kristydempsey.com and follow her on twitter @kristydempsey. And be sure to check out her picture books too!