Children’s Picture Book Review: Stay This Way Forever by Linsey Davis, Illustrated by Lucy Fleming

Book Description:
Celebrate the joy, wonder, and innocence of being a child with this love letter to the loved ones in your life that encourages them to celebrate their own special qualities now and into the future.

Inspired by the endearing qualities she sees in her own son, Linsey Davis, ABC News correspondent and bestselling author of The World Is Awake and One Big Heart, has written another beautiful book that parents and grandparents can share with their little ones to let them know how special they are. With charming illustrations from bestselling artist Lucy Fleming paired with playful and heartwarming read-aloud rhymes, this book can help make a lasting impact on young minds as they discover their own unique qualities.

My Thoughts:
With Lindsey Davis’s beautiful words, celebrate the joy and innocence of childhood. In this rhyming picture book, an adult expresses their love for a child and the wonder of a child’s heart. The message resonates to keep some of the delight and purity of childhood. As I read the lovely sentiment of this gorgeous book, I choked up a bit. Having lived life loving the pure joy children and grandchildren can express, I have to say, Ms. Davis captured my thoughts. This is a wonderful book to read to any child to encourage them to explore and experience the beauty of the world. Enjoy Lucy Fleming’s lively, imaginative, and vibrant illustrations. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Song You Heard

I am a fan of Mary Oliver's poetry.

This one in particular reminds me to go back to my childhood 

and embrace my imagination.

 

Stop the Attack!

Several years ago, my poem "Germs" was published in Jack and Jill magazine. 

I thought it might be a good time to share it again. 

Germs

Germs crawl on fingers.
Live on toes. 
They love to jump 
inside your nose.

They'll bother you
Until you sneeze.
You'll cough and snort
Shiver and freeze.

Your stomach aches
High fever jumps.
Your skin's covered
With little bumps.

What can you do?
Stop the attack!
Scrub your hands 
Both front and back!

*Just to note-these are not the symptoms of COVID-19. Just a generalization of illness.

The Poetry of Autumn

I snapped this photo on a field trip in southern Ohio. 

Fall Findings Friday: A Poem for Fall

Apples and pumpkins made into pie

Warm shades of leaves, a brilliant blue sky.

Cook up the chili.

Wrap in a sweater.

Let's get ready for cool autumn weather!

I love the crispness of fall. 

What do you like about fall?

Gourds at Young's Dairy Farm

Autumn Mistflower

What I Found Along the Trail

nature's bouquet

autumn's color-

God's gift

©Penny Frost McGinnis

Children's Book Review: Snuggle Time Psalms by Glenys Nellist, illustrated by Cee Biscoe

Book Description:

Did you think the book of Psalms was only for adults? Think again! Snuggle Time Psalms, written by Glenys Nellist and illustrated by Cee Biscoe, is the perfect way to introduce little ones to the poetry book of the Bible. This padded cover board book uses simple concepts, rhyming text and adorable art to help children engage with the Psalms. Beginning with “Bedtime Peace” and ending with “Wonderful Me!” this collection of fifteen bedtime poems enables young children to discover the One who holds them in his arms, leads them like a shepherd, created them just as they are, and cherishes them with a love that never ends ... snuggle and see!

My Thoughts:
I am a big fan of Glenys Nellist's books. She writes lovely and engaging prayers and poetry. I enjoy them as an adult and highly recommend them for children. In Snuggle Time Psalms she shares a short verse then gives a rhyming prayer. The prayers talk about things a child might think about; fear in the night, being scared, love and friendship. This would be a great book for an early reader to keep by their bed. And it would be wonderful to read with your little one before they go to sleep. Cee Biscoe has created precious illustrations that make the book even more beautiful. Children will love her sweet rendition of animals and nature. If you are looking for a way to share God's love with a child, this is a great pick. I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

Poetry Review: When Green Becomes Tomatoes: Poems for All Seasons by Julie Fogliano; illustrated by Julie Morstad

Book Description:

Flowers blooming in sheets of snow make way for happy frogs dancing in the rain. Summer swims move over for autumn sweaters until the snow comes back again. In Julie Fogliano's skilled hand and illustrated by Julie Morstad's charming pictures, the seasons come to life in this gorgeous and comprehensive book of poetry.

My Review:
I ordered When Green Becomes Tomatoes from the library because the title intrigued me. Curious about what the poet had to say about the seasons, I opened the book and fell into a lovely treasure of words. Julie Fogliano's poems may be written for children, but they spoke to my soul. As a lover of nature, I delighted in each encounter. The verses are titled by date and divided into seasons. I especially liked "july 12", the date of my birthday. The children go to the beach and eat plums and peanut butter sandwiches. How fun! I'm also partial to the winter poems. Not only are the poems well done, the illustrations are perfect. They set the stage for each season. Julie Morstad's gouache and pencil crayon art are soft and appealing. I highly recommend reading this book to your children; after you read it yourself.

Poem: Pink Dogwood in the Cemetery©

National Poetry Month-A Few Haiku

In honor of National Poetry Month, I've added some new haiku poems to my Haiku page. 

I enjoy the art of haiku, the brevity, and capturing a moment in words.

To learn more about haiku, visit Shadow Poetry. They also share info on other types of poetry. 

©Penny Frost McGinnis

Don't Say Thanks

Don't Say Thanks

They said I 

couldn't thank you

for the plants.

Bad luck they said.

Those old wives.

The ones who

hung over the fence.

Made up tales.

I'm not saying thanks-

so the black-eyed Susans 

and bleeding hearts 

may live. 

-PFM

After a conversation with a friend about the etiquette of not saying thanks for plants, I had to look up the source for such a belief.

"Never say thank you if someone shares their flowers or plant cuttings with you-if you do they (the plants) will die. (I've heard this one my whole life-and man is it hard not to automatically say thank you when someone gives you plants)"

See more at: The Blind Pig and the Acorn

Poetry Blast

I just returned home from the American Library Association's conference. The Poetry Blast featuring a number of remarkable children's poets was a highlight for me.

Betsy Franco read fun concrete poems from A Spectacular Selection of Sea Critters

Nikki Grimes read beautiful poems from her new book Poems in the Attic

Rebecca Kai Dotlitch read her poetry that put a new twist on fairy tales from Grumbles from the Forest

 Marilyn Nelson read selections from her new book How I Discovered Poetry

 Alma Flo Ada shared her latest poetry from her free verse fictional narrative Yes! We are Latinos!

F. Isable Campoy her delightful poems from 
Poesia eres tu/Poetry is You

Marilyn Singer shared poems from A Strange Place to Call Home: The World's Most Dangerous Habitats & the Animals that Call Them Home 

Another Poem for National Poetry Month

Summer in the South 

by Paul Laurence Dunbar 

The oriole sings in the greening grove 
As if he were half-way waiting,
The rosebuds peep from their hoods of green, 
Timid and hesitating. 
The rain comes down in a torrent sweep 
And the nights smell warm and piney, 
The garden thrives, but the tender shoots 
Are yellow-green and tiny. 
Then a flash of sun on a waiting hill, 
Streams laugh that erst were quiet, 
The sky smiles down with a dazzling blue 
And the woods run mad with riot.

What a beautiful poem from a talented poet.

Do you have a favorite poem or poet? Who?

April is National Poetry Month

Robert Frost is one of my favorite poets. I read many of his poems growing up and had to memorize this one in high school. 

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening 
by Robert Frost

Whose woods these are I think I know. 
His house is in the village though; 
He will not see me stopping here 
To watch his woods fill up with snow. 

My little horse must think it queer 
To stop without a farmhouse near 
Between the woods and frozen lake 
The darkest evening of the year. 

He gives his harness bells a shake 
To ask if there is some mistake. 
The only other sound’s the sweep 
Of easy wind and downy flake. 

The woods are lovely, dark and deep. 
But I have promises to keep, 
And miles to go before I sleep, 
And miles to go before I sleep.

My Poetry

I've added new tabs to my blog. If you enjoy reading or writing poetry check out:

http://www.pennyfrostmcginnis.com/p/small-town-oem.html

http://www.pennyfrostmcginnis.com/p/my-poetry.html

http://www.pennyfrostmcginnis.com/p/haiku.html

Thanks for stopping by.