In this captivating collection of poetry, celebrated poets Ted Kooser and Connie Wanek, along with illustrator Richard Jones, explore the wonders of nature in a spirited and magical way - and invite our imaginations out to play.
This stunning gift-book contains thirty exquisite poems by celebrated US poets Ted Kooser and Connie Wanek, beautifully illustrated by artist Richard Jones. A freewheeling romp through the world of imagery and metaphor, this quietly startling collection is framed by the four elements and divided into thoughtfully-curated sections, exploring art and reality, fact and fancy. Look around: what do you see? A clown balancing a pie in a tree, or an empty nest perched on a leafless branch? This charming compendium of the fleeting and unexpected turns the everyday - towering trees and tiny tadpoles; roaring fires, lazy afternoons, and pillowy white marshmallows - into poetic gold. A brilliant and timeless collaboration that evokes both the mystery and grandeur of the natural world and the cosy, mundane moments of daily life, this wonderfully illustrated collection is the go-to gift book of the season for poetry fans of all ages.

About the Author

Ted Kooser was the US Poet Laureate from 2004 to 2006 and won a Pulitzer Prize for his book of poems Delights & Shadows. His picture books include Bag in the Wind and The Bell in the Bridge, both illustrated by Barry Root; House Held Up by Trees, a New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Children's Book of the Year, illustrated by Jon Klassen; and Mr. Posey's New Glasses, an International Literacy Association Children's Choice, illustrated by Daniel Duncan. Ted Kooser lives in Garland, Nebraska.
Connie Wanek has been writing since her hand could hold a pencil. She is the author of four books of poetry, including Rival Gardens: New and Selected Poems, the second book in the Ted Kooser Contemporary Poetry Series. She lives in Duluth, Minnesota.
Richard Jones has worked for more than twenty years in the creative arts. He is the illustrator of numerous picture books, including The Proper Way to Meet a Hedgehog and Other How-To Poems, edited by Paul B. Janeczko, and Bird Builds a Nest and The Squirrels' Busy Year, both by Martin Jenkins. Richard Jones lives in Devon, England.

Reviews
Poignant and judiciously chosen language paints vivid pictures of a range of scenes and experiences, such as the tingling excitement of watching a Meteor Shower or watching the Autumn leaves fall In November [...] In a world full of noise, rush and busyness, this beautiful collection encourages us to stop and look at the world around us, taking in the small details with a poet's eye. -- Charlotte Hacking * Books for Keeps *
This stunning collection of poems is a delightful celebration of nature. [...] This is certainly a collection to inspire children to write their own poems. * BookTrust *
The whole book is a triumph of expression - each art fertilises the other and produces something more than their pairing. The poems are wonderful - with vivid language and wordplay, wit and imagination, they do not talk down to their young audience and each poem is imaginative and multifaceted enough to engage an adult audience also. * Poetry Roundabout *


Awards
Winner of CLPE Poetry Award 2023 (UK).



Book Information
ISBN 9781529507072
Author Ted Kooser
Format Hardback
Page Count 72
Imprint Walker Books Ltd
Publisher Walker Books Ltd
Weight(grams) 585g
Dimensions(mm) 285mm * 230mm * 12mm