Happy September!
Autumn is coming. It's my favorite time of year. I love the cooler temperatures, gorgeous colors, and autumn-scented air. Next week, we're expecting another heatwave, but that's okay because I have hope that it won't last long. Having hope changes the way we see the world.
I have been taking a break from blogging, but I'm here today to share a beautiful new anthology created by the amazing team of Sylvia Vardell and Janet Wong. Their new book is all about hope.
WHAT IS HOPE? is collection of 40 ekphrastic poems that are sure to inspire readers and fill them with hope. This book is a Children's Book Council "Hot Off the Press Selection" for August 2023. WHAT IS HOPE? is a valuable resource for teachers, parents, and librarians. 100% of the profits will be donated to the IBBY Children's Fund.
Readers will find poems by some of our Poetry Friday friends as well as other popular names in the children's poetry community. I am thrilled and honored to have one of my poems among them.
The positive message in every poem makes WHAT IS HOPE? an excellent choice for readers young and old. We all need a daily dose of hope!
Thank you to Ramona for hosting this week on her blog, Pleasures from the Page.
Have a great weekend!
Linda, oh yes! I love the rhyme pattern in your poem, and you handled that third stanza perfectly with better and letter. Yes, here's to snail mail, which I love. Of course, some of the best comes from this group in the poetry swaps. I try to write at least one letter or thank you card a week. It is a wonderful thing to find in the mailbox.
ReplyDeleteDenise, you are SO RIGHT about the third stanza in Linda's poem: it is CRAFT at its BEST! One of Linda's special gifts is the ability to write naturally, the way we think and talk. And to write poems where a "life lesson" is so subtly presented that it doesn't feel like a lesson at all. Another great example of that is Linda's poem "Open" in THINGS WE DO (about holding the door open for someone as a small kindness).
DeleteThank you, Janet. You supportive and encouraging words mean a lot to me.
DeleteThank you, Denise. I send a lot of cards with notes in them but not as many letters as I used to. I love it when I receive a handwritten letter. It makes me feel special to know someone took the time to write to me.
ReplyDeleteI have a drawer full of beautiful and delicate stationery I use to send letters to friends. Why? Because yes, this way IS better. Thank you for this heartfelt poem.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lou. I agree, there's nothing better than receiving a letter on beautiful stationery.
DeleteI have letters saved from my mother and grandmothers, very special to me. You've shown that love so beautifully in your poem, Linda, the act and the invitation, just right!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Linda. You are so fortunate to have those letters. I have a poem and a couple of recipes in my mother's handwriting and one in my grandmother's handwriting. They are treasures!
DeleteLetters are the connections we all need. Your poem delivers!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Joyce!
ReplyDeleteLinda, I also love sending and receiving letters. Most of my handwritten missives are notes in blank cards rather than written pages. I treasure a letter to my mom from my Greek great grandmother acknowledging my birth! Your poem is just right, and I really like the slant rhyme of us and enough!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Joyce. Oh, that letter from your grandmother! What a treasure!
DeleteLinda, I loved your poem the first time I read it. I treasure the letters & cards I've kept for decades, and love sending snail mail when communication needs an extra layer of "special." Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThis anthology is already one of my favorites!
Thank you, Robyn. Your poem is amazing! I have read it several times and enjoy it more each time I read it!
DeleteSuper proud of you mom! Keep being an awesome writer and awesome-er mom.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Tim. It means a lot coming from a amazing writer and son!
DeleteI love the truth of this poem. Great work! I can't wait to see the anthology. It's such a beautiful idea for an anthology.
ReplyDeleteLinda, the anthology is one of my favorites. Every poem is wonderful!
DeleteLinda, I love how you have turned writing and receiving a letter into something new and special for kids of today. Great rhyme, rhythm, and I love your ending. Thank you for sharing your poem and inspiration. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Gail!
DeletePositivity seems to be the message Sylvia and Janet wanted to convey in their new book, Linda. Your poem flows beautifully with this message. I know the art of writing letters has been long forgotten but your poem brings it right back in style. Thanks for sharing an important book filled with PF friends' words.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Carol. Yes, I love that Janet and Sylvia always have positive messages in their books.
ReplyDeleteAhh! I loved pen pals growing up! And I still love exchanging hand-written notes. What a perfect poem to reflect the them of Hope!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Patricia. I used to have a pen pal. I wish we'd staying in touch.
DeleteYes, letters are better. Kids love getting mail, too, so maybe there’s hope letter writing will survive!
ReplyDeleteI hope so. : )
DeleteCongratulations on your poem, Mail, being included in the newest Pomelo Anthology book. I like how the books are so positive, as some others have mentioned.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Yes, they are all very positive.
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited to be in a poetry anthology together. I love snail mail, so I love that you highlighted that.
ReplyDeleteI am happy to be in a poetry anthology with you! Your poem is one of my favorites!
DeleteThis is a book that the world's kids need! Congratulations to you and the whole Wong/Vardell team! And THANK YOU all!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mary Lee!
DeleteLinda, I love the idea of a collection about hope. We could all use more, and it is an important gift to give to children. I can see why your poem “Mail” was selected by Janet and Sylvia. The hope and thrill of getting a paper letter is something I miss and something today’s children may rarely know. I hope your poem inspires lots of people to drop a note in the mail.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Tracey! It really is a thrill to get a letter in the mail. I hope my poem inspires more people to write one.
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ReplyDeleteLove your poem, Linda! Handwritten notes are so special and you captured that feeling beautifully.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Rose. I love your "Fishing" poem. It reflects hope and wonder in every stanza!
DeleteLovely poem Linda, letter writing and cards are always extra "special" thanks for shining a light on them!
ReplyDelete