Brooks is an NHL hockey player, at the peak of his career. He has been away from home for a number of years. When he left he left behind his parents aBrooks is an NHL hockey player, at the peak of his career. He has been away from home for a number of years. When he left he left behind his parents and his boyfriend. As hard as that was he didn't look back because he wanted to make the hockey dreams work.
Rory is the boyfriend Brooks left behind. Still living in their home town, currently with his mother as she heals from a broken hip, he is now an English teacher and high school hockey coach. As much as he feels excited to have Brooks home he is also wary. It may have been his decision to end their relationship rather than try to keep something going long distance but he is still wary of his heart.
Brooks is back to look after his father after a fall and he tells himself that is all he is there for. Then the town campaign to save the hockey rink begins, followed by an emergency when the roof collapses and Brooks finds himself drawn into the plans to save the rink. He also finds himself still drawn, without a doubt to Rory. He makes the decision to retire from hockey, dedicating himself to family, rekindling his romance and the town. But when an offer to coach comes through will his determination waver?
'Hometown Hero' is a beautiful romance, filled with plenty of longing looks and suggestive conversations before anything really sparks for a second time between Rory and Brooks. It is also filled with poetry and of course hockey. Declan Rhodes writes beautiful prose and poetry, has expert timing and a feel for when to tease his reader and when to give us what we so desperately want. His cast of supporting characters from the town gossip, Dottie, to the coffee shop owner Silas and the high school hockey team captain, Ziggy, are fantastic. They lift this story to another level.
Hockey, romance, coffee, poetry and so much more make this an outstanding story which will have you reaching for your pen and paper to write your own poems and maybe get out there to try your hand at some hockey. Failing either of those being appealing there is always just re-reading this fantastic romance!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
If you could, would you bring the outside in? Sometimes we do, we may not even realize it. After all, by opening doors and windows we are welcoming thIf you could, would you bring the outside in? Sometimes we do, we may not even realize it. After all, by opening doors and windows we are welcoming that outside in and of course plenty of wildlife manages to sneak past us! Then there are the times we may have gone for a wet, muddy, even snowy walk. How many times have you done that and found yourself bringing the outside in ~ the wet, the mud, the leaves. There is nothing but fun in all of this, and writing about it is making me smile. So, imagine how I felt when I found out about Daniel Thompson and Julia Murray’s Outside In Nature Poems. My smile certainly got wider and even more so once I sat down to read some of them. They are an eclectic mix; they are unlike many of the poems I have read and the illustrations boldly go beyond the style we may usually associate with poetry. It is a wonder, a delight.
With 50 poems packed into this compact hardback, and pages allowed for illustrations it doesn’t feel in the least bit crowded, rather it inspires calm and happiness, even a sense of peace ~ that sense which only the outside world, only nature, knows how to deliver. Rather than the usual dedication to people Outside In has words from Daniel Thompson, thanking Hopwas Woods where he has ‘grown’ his ‘wild home.’ We share in the joy and wonder of Beautiful Flowers and learn how we, as well as nature and the natural world, have to Adapt To Succeed. To give you an example of the stand-out illustrations, this poem is accompanied by the neck of a giraffe, the words of the title on either side. With a Flamboyance of Flamingos we discover a form of acrostic poem with the clue letters running through its middle and telling us this is A Collective Noun Poem. With every poem comes a new surprise, a delight, a sense of awe and wonder. Everything about this collection reinforces for every reader how important, amazing and simply ‘there’ nature is. This is a must-read collection of verse and wonder.
I write reviews for Armadillo Children's Books and this one appeared in my weekly newsletter, Postbag Picks, in March 2024....more
Have you ever wondered what a poem would look like if you could paint it in a picture, in your mind or on a canvas? It could and probably would be quiHave you ever wondered what a poem would look like if you could paint it in a picture, in your mind or on a canvas? It could and probably would be quite beautiful, evocative even, taking the words from the page and giving them life, letting them take flight. Tim Hopgood has done just this with a poem that is perfect for our younger readers. Hope Is the Thing With Feathers is the name of a very famous poem, maybe you have heard the words but not realised that? Well, it was written by the American poet Emily Dickinson who is renowned for her powerful, beautiful poems about love, death, and nature. She only published, in her lifetime, eleven of the over one thousand that she wrote and today she is considered to be one of the most famous and beloved poets whose work we have the pleasure of sharing in. The publisher Magic Cat has worked with Tim Hopgood to produce this book and on the front cover is the heading ‘Picture A Poem’ which I am hoping means this is the first of many poems reimagined in this way.
This poem is an ode to nature and the illustrations Tim Hopgood has created to sit alongside it, to blend with its very essence, reflect this. They are gentle yet colourfully bold, they are undefined splodges on the page, melding together to form images, let your eyes linger over them and see shapes appear as if by magic. Follow the path of the brown bird from one spread to the next, see his excitement in that partially opened beak and his obvious joy in the musical notes that nestle in that nature. Even when the sun hides to make room for the rain, the umbrellas in all their kaleidoscopic glory come out, still we are shown the hope in the things with feathers, the bird that continues to sing no matter what, that brings a smile to those faces nestled under the umbrellas. Weathering even the harshest storm, the warmth and chill of the different parts of the earth, the daytime equally with the night-time, the land and the sea, this little bird asks for nothing and yet, in its song, in its beauty and simplicity, in the hope that it gives us it gives us everything....more
I can’t believe it has been five years since the first edition of Proud was published. I remember going to the book launch and meeting all the amazingI can’t believe it has been five years since the first edition of Proud was published. I remember going to the book launch and meeting all the amazing people who had contributed to the book. It was amazing and incredibly colourful too. I have a lot of respect for each and every one of those who contributed to the book and even consider some of them to be acquaintances. I fully support their aims and message, the work they have done to compile this book and the fact that it is having a fifth anniversary edition with some new contributions is testament to the importance of this book. There are contributions from writers and artists which means we have a collection of stories, poems and illustrations all celebrating the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer+ community. With thirteen writers contributing the stories are short and accessible but no less powerful and the book makes it easy for its reader to dip in and out, to pick and choose which story, which contributor to read and when.
Proud gives its reader choice, the choice of who, what, and when to read, as well as where of course; just as all those who have contributed deserve to exercise their own choices in life as to who they want to identify as, how they want to live (so long as it is not harming anyone else) and how they want to look. The stories give their reader more choices too. Do you want an emotional story, do you want to laugh, perhaps something more serious is up your street – it is all here for you to choose from and for me the sheer beauty of Tanya Byrne’s Almost Certain, for example, will be in my heart for a long time. And for anyone who needs reassurance the final entry, a poem by Dean Atta, How to Come Out As Gay is as simple as it is eloquent and wonderful. There is an opportunity to read a brief, one paragraph biography of each of the contributors as well as some helpful resources to consult. This is a beautiful rainbow of stories, each with its very own pot of gold....more
Poetry speaks a universal language, the collection in this book simply happens to have come from Ireland and it spans many years of classic poetry. ThPoetry speaks a universal language, the collection in this book simply happens to have come from Ireland and it spans many years of classic poetry. This is just one of the many reasons that it will instantly appeal across the generations. Some of the others? The one that drew me was the illustrations, so vibrant and full of life, colour, seemingly bursting with enthusiasm for their subjects and rightly so. Whilst the words of these master poets may sound familiar in some instances and new in others it is their combination with the illustrations that makes this book stand out, that will draw new audiences into a journey of poetic discoveries. One of the other wonders of poetry is words. Yes, stories have words but somehow, because there are fewer of them in poems they manage to stand out, to be somehow more of a fascination, to carry more meaning. Their combinations in this collection lead to wonder, joy, new understandings, and a desire to read more.
Tread softly because you tread on my dreams are the closing words of the opening poem by W.B Yeats, ‘Aedh Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven,’ and I am glad Nicola Reddy, editor of this collection has thought to share that Aedh is the Celtic god of the underworld. This opening poem is just one of the nineteen in the book and not only is it beautiful but its accompanying illustration by Erin Brown is stunning in its simplicity and the interpretation she has clearly drawn from these most gentle and evocative words. From the playful ‘Les Ballons’ we discover that Oscar Wilde was inspired by watching children play in a Paris Park and his use of words of colour adds an entirely new dimension to the way we see balloons after reading his words. There are snowy scenes, watery scenes and rich woodland scenes which beg to transform from poem to fairytale, continuing to capture the magic the words evoke. Long and short, joyful, magical; I could go on for this collection really does encourage us to tread softly, to look at the world around us in a new light and to look more closely at the poetic beauty that is both language and illustration. ...more
Every year on 5th October the UK celebrates a National Poetry Day so you can be certain that there will be new poetry publishing around this time and Every year on 5th October the UK celebrates a National Poetry Day so you can be certain that there will be new poetry publishing around this time and possibly reissues of classic poetry. This is great and not just for children, for all readers. Poetry is a wonderful form of reading, some may find it challenging when they first encounter it, it really is storytelling in a different form but now, with so many fantastic collections to choose from it is easier than ever to find the poetry that will appeal to you. Joshua Seigal has won the Laugh Out Loud Awards twice … I think that pretty much guarantees that his Who Let the Words Out? Is guaranteed to make us all laugh! It is a brand-new collection of poems, and it is waiting for you…
You think, in fact I am sure we all think, that we know what words are. After all we use them all the time, every time we speak. But it seems that there are some people who have a very special set of skills when it comes to words and Joshua Seigal is one of these people. The things he can do with words is astounding. He is creative, makes those words into silly, funny, and then downright hilarious poems – I may have already found a couple of favourites. ‘The Library’ is one of them, of course, how could it not be for a librarian… But then there is ‘Typo’s’ which I guarantee English teachers are going to have a field day with and then I think this one is just brilliant: ‘Last Day of School’ – “The morning consists of maths. Then there’s a bit of Geography, followed by Art, Science and Spanish, And the rest is History.” ...more
Poetry. I am sure you will have seen me write many times about the wonder, the beauty of poetry and how important it is for every reader, children incPoetry. I am sure you will have seen me write many times about the wonder, the beauty of poetry and how important it is for every reader, children included, to engage with. Yes, it is a style of writing that can take some getting used to but when it comes in beautiful packages with exquisite illustrations, I think most readers will find themselves drawn in. The Star Whale is the work of Nicola Davies, and it is a collection of 40 poems that she has written to celebrate our beautiful planet, and the stars that shine above it. Her work is accompanied by exquisite artwork and painting from the hand of Peter Horacek which, with its incredibly vivid colour palette adds considerable depth and wonder to the words we find on the pages. This is a book to treasure on many levels, a book to gift, but not just to a person or home, to a school or library too.
Many of us love the natural world that surrounds us, it is full of such fascinating creatures, plants and so much more and it is also full of mystery and delight. Its very essence encourages a curiosity and that in turn is something that encourages both writers and artists to find a way, to find many ways, to explore it and share it with us all. Nicola Davies brings us pangolin flying in the dusk, puts us onto the back of a bat for a night-time adventure, encourages us to visit a lion and even hints at creatures we might think are only from our dreams. Night-time is not just about nature though, there is also the urban world, a place that can look very different by night, and this is celebrated too in this stunning collection of poetry. To help guide our thoughts, our imaginations, Peter Horacek’s illustrations are unrivalled, simple, evocative, and eye-catching. This is a book to enjoy time and time again, for its inspiration and the serenity it inspires....more
Poetry for younger children is not always as accessible as we would hope, but it is coming, there is ever more being published and Debra Bertulis’ ThePoetry for younger children is not always as accessible as we would hope, but it is coming, there is ever more being published and Debra Bertulis’ The Moon’s Gorgonzola is going to encourage them to love poetry. It is fun, funny, short, packed with some great illustrations from Zoe Williams and, in a nutshell, great for reading. Oh, did I mention it is also great for reading aloud? This book, poetry, has so much going for it and I hope that more and more children are able to embrace it, to discover its joy. This is a book filled with poems children will also be able to relate to.
Whether you want your poem to rhyme, be silly, be a puzzle or have some repeating lines, these and more besides can be found in this bouncy collection. It’s all about … well everything that young people will be able to relate to. There are Ten Tired Teachers at school, Best Friends, and even a Poor Scarecrow who keeps the other nature poems company. We can take a Welly Walk on a wet day, or a Train Ride to the Sea for ice creams. Maybe you love Chocolate Spread or taking a trip to the jungle with mum? Have dreams, celebrate Firework Night, or simply munch on some Fafflefluffs. This collection shows us that there is simply a whole new world of experiences to enjoy when we discover poetry and that it is right here, waiting for us to dive in, twist our tongues around and simply enjoy! ...more
With an adventure for every day and contained within each poem you are certain to love them all and laugh Silly sounding Saturdays books begins with …
With an adventure for every day and contained within each poem you are certain to love them all and laugh out loud at a few too! Either every possible animal imaginable and some imaginary ones too this book is simply bursting with fun and energy!...more
Did you know that poetry can be anything and that you can be too? You can choose a favourite sound, fly like a bird, be still in the forest, jump likeDid you know that poetry can be anything and that you can be too? You can choose a favourite sound, fly like a bird, be still in the forest, jump like a kangaroo or be at a monster jamboree and you have just picked up a book.
But…remember to beware for there could be a dinosaur at the bus stop next time you are there…
Poetry for children gets better and better and with Kate Wakeling and Eileen Muldoon collection from Otter Barry Books it is funny, thoughtful, magical and so much fun....more
Scallywag Press, with A Passing On Of Shells fifty, fifty word poems written by Simon Lamb and illustrated by Chris Riddell, launch their brand new poScallywag Press, with A Passing On Of Shells fifty, fifty word poems written by Simon Lamb and illustrated by Chris Riddell, launch their brand new poetry list. With subjects that range from family to growing up and discovering yourself to the wonder of nature and the absolute wonder of poetry fill the pages.
If you come to poetry for the first time as a reader of any age then this book will be a treasure trove of wonder as you discover just what poetry can do for the very soul of each and every one of us. If you come to it as someone familiar with poetry you will also discover its wonder but also perhaps make deeper connections with the words and stories that are shared in this gorgeous sturdy hardback book.
Read the poem of your choosing and take time to wonder at the exquisite interpretations in pen and in that accompany every one. Whether discovering more about basketball or learning how to care for a fallen star you will find poems to make you smile, poems to make you think and in every poem - love....more
Joseph Coelho is a household name. As a performance poet, a children’s author and currently Children’s Laureate his output is phenomenal, enthusiasm cJoseph Coelho is a household name. As a performance poet, a children’s author and currently Children’s Laureate his output is phenomenal, enthusiasm contagious. Courage Out Loud is illustrated by Daniel Gray-Barnett with a matching exuberance, they make the perfect pair for bringing poetry to life for readers who will find it positively bouncing off the pages of this book, desperate to be spoken aloud, over and over again. This is an anthology of twenty-five poems on the theme of power, there is power in the words and there is power in the message that the words are sending. Even just reading one poem from the collection is guaranteed to ensure a building of confidence.
Power is what these poems want us to recognise and find. This collection is focused on the power of our speaking skills. The power of our voices. The poems are long and unless you have a REALLY good memory I wouldn’t suggest trying to learn them but rather using the book to read from (which means you can enjoy the wonderful illustrations too – though I did keep getting distracted!) The poems are great too. They are funny, clever, bubbling with an enthusiasm for life, a love of verse. They teach us about poetry techniques – I did not know about sestinas until I read In a Castle a poem and a story – they introduce different types of poem – the limericks are hilarious. This book is packed to the brim with power and wonder, it is an absolute joy....more
Are you a budding poet, a green fingered naturalist or do you just have a curious mind. Whichever of these apply, and there could be many others, WatcAre you a budding poet, a green fingered naturalist or do you just have a curious mind. Whichever of these apply, and there could be many others, Watch Me Bloom by Krina Patel-Sage with its ‘bouquet of Haiku Poems for budding naturalists’ published by Lantana is sure to have an appeal. It is a bright, bold, and sturdy book, it is positively bursting with energy and life, and it is at once a stand-alone book and a follow up. Its predecessor is My Mindful A to Zen for those who are curious. Both books want to share with us a love for our planet, helping to guide us to care for it and treat it in ways that will be mindful for both us and it. Caring for the natural world is a mindful activity, it can ground us as much as it can help us care about ourselves and it. Through a celebration of both the flowers of this natural world and the wonderful words of poetry we are given the opportunity to explore further.
Maybe you have seen flowers such as the daffodil and the bluebell growing in your garden, a nearby park or perhaps a woodland when you are out for a springtime walk? Buttercups and daisies are part of our nursery rhyme heritage and games we like to play whilst the more uncommon azalea, lotus and orchid are often flowers we give as gifs. These, just some of the twenty-four flowers given dedicated haiku’s in Watch Me Bloom help us to explore the many places that flowers grow and the many meanings they hold for us. Simply stunning, a book to treasure. ...more
Do you know your heart? You very likely feel it beating every day and you know that it can feel love, feel emotions, it keeps you alive, it is part ofDo you know your heart? You very likely feel it beating every day and you know that it can feel love, feel emotions, it keeps you alive, it is part of who you are, but have you ever thought of your heart as a poem? The cut-out on the front cover of this gorgeous Little Tiger hardback book presents us with a smiling child, hand on heart who is experiencing the many wonders that the heart and that poetry can offer, all the wonders. We see colour and shape, we see wonder, the imagination and so much more if we look closely and this continues through the book which is in fact a collection of poetry all about celebrating feelings. With no less than twenty poets contributing and four illustrators this book has been created for everyone to share in.
How do you feel today this book asks. Are you feeling excited, angry, hurt, or confused? There is no right or wrong answer and every day will bring a different feeling, this is perfectly normal for our emotions are something that are to be celebrated, they make us feel alive and they are important to acknowledge and explore. But how do we understand them? Through poetry could be one way and this book shares the wonders and delights of the range of feelings that we might experience for the younger of our readers to engage with. In words and pictures it helps us to explore our emotions gently and evocatively bringing them to life on the page and in our hearts as we share the warmth and the joy that they arouse. ...more
A picture book of poems to share with young children and best of all to read aloud, what could be better? The sooner children become familiar with poeA picture book of poems to share with young children and best of all to read aloud, what could be better? The sooner children become familiar with poetry in all its forms the better, they can never be too young to grasp the concept of this style of writing and the wonders, the joy that it can bring them as they begin their reading journey. This title is all about taking a journey too, for it is offering A Ticket to Kalamazoo! James Cater the poet and author has had extensive experience of bringing poems to children, not just in the UK with his latest collection being published in eight languages. Illustrator Neal Layton has filled the book with pictures that are spontaneous, funny and very inventive, perfectly suiting the spontaneity and wonder of the poems. That word, spontaneity sums this book up wonderfully for this is how these poems feel, spontaneous, natural, bursting with life and I am thrilled publisher Otter Barry Books has bought it to our attention.
Have you climbed aboard, do have that ticket for Kalamazoo? One ticket is all you will need and what a fabulous ticket it is for it allows you to ride on an elephant, stay the night in a bug hotel, travel by boat, plan and even plane, mingle with the bears and the minibeasts – in fact simply to have so much fun! Through the 19 poems in the book you can do all this and so much more, let the words take you on a journey, let your imagination run wild. ...more
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