PPBF: The Death of the Hat

A Brief History of Poetry in 50 Objects: selected by Paul Janeczko
Illustrator: Chris Raschka
Publisher: Candlewick, 2015
Ages: 5-9yrs
Themes: poetry
Opening: (from Things, Eloise Greenfield) Went to the corner/ Walked in the store/ Bought me some candy/ Ain’t got it no more/Ain’t got it no more.
Summary: (from my library catalog) The award-winning creators of A Foot in the Mouth present a collection of poems inspired by earthly and celestial objects to reveal how poetry has been an enduring artistic form that reflects the historical periods of its writers.

I like this book because: I am a BIG Raschka fan, because I love how loose and free his illustrations are, and I know it looks a lot easier to do that than it truly is (still trying!). This volume is particularly special because the collection is a history of poetry – you might be surprised how timeless and fressssshhhh century’s old poetry can be!

Resources/activities: WRITE poetry! Pick one object you like, and one you don’t. READ poetry! When I feel like  I need a break from writing, revisions, drawing even, I like to read poetry, and I am particularly fond of poetry meant for children (I know it’s a scam to keep the best stuff for kids!).

For more PPBF selections including resources and activities, go to Susanna Hill’s blog: HERE