Melissa, I’m right there with you on the dubious dance with poetry! I wish I’d had Rachel’s books when I was younger, and my kids were younger, because her poetry is so lovely and I probably would have shared more with them.
Now that I see them enjoying it so much, it just seems like such a natural thing to do with them. I’m so thankful other people encouraged me to just try introducing it to my kids! Next scary thing: Art Museums 😅😆
My wife and I are expecting our first child in about a week. We are so eager to begin this new adventure together. Poetry is something I love, and while it might not be for everyone, I do secretly hope our daughter will enjoy the art. I'm excited to check out Rachel's book as well as introducing her to the classics.
This is a really great article, Melissa, and it touches on a fascinating subject: is art for enjoyment or is art a performative space to get approval from the “right” critics?
Poetry is certainly an art that has been policed so heavily that most of us are intimidated to dip our toe into it.
I love that quote from Jonathan Rogers as it hits the nail right on the head.
Thank you! I thought so too! Such a basic thought, but so helpful to the aspiring poet! And so true. Reading kid’s poetry is always ridiculous! In the best way.
You struck a nerve with this one. This was so relatable for me!! My original comment here was getting so long it was turning into a post as long as yours, so let me just say thank you for sharing your journey and the resources that helped you. Also, your comment above about art museums made me laugh out loud. I haven’t met you but definitely feel a sense of kindred spirit. 😄.
Melissa, I’m right there with you on the dubious dance with poetry! I wish I’d had Rachel’s books when I was younger, and my kids were younger, because her poetry is so lovely and I probably would have shared more with them.
Now that I see them enjoying it so much, it just seems like such a natural thing to do with them. I’m so thankful other people encouraged me to just try introducing it to my kids! Next scary thing: Art Museums 😅😆
Now that we’ve done! We love art museums!
I think I’m mostly just afraid they’ll break the art museum 😅
My wife and I are expecting our first child in about a week. We are so eager to begin this new adventure together. Poetry is something I love, and while it might not be for everyone, I do secretly hope our daughter will enjoy the art. I'm excited to check out Rachel's book as well as introducing her to the classics.
My mom read to me while I was in the womb. It’s never to early to start! 😆
Melissa, great piece and I hope it encourages more folks to try poetry...
If I may add my own list of poetry books for kids, you might find this a good resource as well for making friends with poetry. https://jodycollins.substack.com/p/summer-reading-for-kids-and-those
Thank you! We are always looking for more!
This is a really great article, Melissa, and it touches on a fascinating subject: is art for enjoyment or is art a performative space to get approval from the “right” critics?
Poetry is certainly an art that has been policed so heavily that most of us are intimidated to dip our toe into it.
I love that quote from Jonathan Rogers as it hits the nail right on the head.
Thank you! I thought so too! Such a basic thought, but so helpful to the aspiring poet! And so true. Reading kid’s poetry is always ridiculous! In the best way.
You struck a nerve with this one. This was so relatable for me!! My original comment here was getting so long it was turning into a post as long as yours, so let me just say thank you for sharing your journey and the resources that helped you. Also, your comment above about art museums made me laugh out loud. I haven’t met you but definitely feel a sense of kindred spirit. 😄.