Book Review: The Eleventh Hour: A Curious Mystery, by Graeme Base

 
A book is read, a story ends, a telling tale is told. 
But who can say what mysteries a single page mayhold?

A maze of hidden codes and clues, a clock at every turn,

And only time will tell what other secrets you may learn...

Summary:
The Eleventh Hour: A Curious Mystery is an irresistible invitation to try your hand at solving a most fantastic conundrum. Horace the Elephant is turning eleven, and has invited 11 friends to celebrate with a grand costume gala filled with 11 games and tons of fun. Everything is set to begin at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. But, when the friends all gather at the appointed hour for the feast after a day full of fun and frolicking, a curious mystery is revealed, and the culprit remains afoot. Can you figure out who?

Overview:

This oversized, beautifully illustrated picture book is written entirely in verse. It is 32 glossy, high-color, insanely detailed pages jam-packed with clues, codes, cyphers, and hidden objects to be taken in through picture and poetry and ingenuity. But be careful! The author has thrown in a fair helping of red herrings to keep things interesting.

Whether you're an expert mystery solver, or a novice starting out, take heart! Graeme Base has purposely designed the book so that everyone - tall to small, right-brained to left-brained, detail person to big picture thinker, and everything in between - can find a way to solve this riddle. The journey to find the culprit is the real fun here, as the reader searches for clues amongst the chaos. Even so, if the things just aren't adding up, and you're at your wit's end, and you just gotta know whodunnit, a built-in safety net is included so you won't be left hanging.

For Teachers and Librarians:

Where to begin? This book has so many possibilities for use in the classroom or library. The mystery unit is most obvious, but you could also launch into a lesson on Roman Centurions or the Fall of Rome; discuss what a "red herring" is, as well as the origin of the term; use it as a springboard for teaching your charges to look for clues both in pictures and text; culminate your unit on nutrition with a grand feast of your own. There are references to math, history, games, literature, crime solving... truly endless possibilities. Try it out - how many ways can you find to use this book in your classroom?

For Parents, Grandparents and Caregivers: 

You will love this book! Your kids will love this book! Pull it out on a rainy day, a sunny day, a there's-nothing-to-do-today day, really any day, and you are guaranteed to begin a journey that you may find it hard to tear yourself away from. The pictures alone are a veritable feast for the eyes, and you and your child could spend hours just searching for all the hidden and not-so-hidden gems the author has packed into each illustration. Even without the pictures, the story is enchanting and fun. Work together to find those clues, but don't be surprised if you find yourself searching for this book to do some solo sleuthing when the kiddos aren't around...

For the Kids:

Do you love searching for clues? Do you think it's fun to solve mysteries, look at really cool pictures to find all the hidden ones mixed in, read a really awesome story full of fun and parties and costumes and talking pigs? Would you think it's funny to see lions, giraffes, tigers, mice, pigs, cats, zebras, elephants, swans and crocodiles all charging along trying to win a potato sack race? Then The Eleventh Hour is the book for you. The story is great, and the author has written it so everyone from kids to adults can solve the mystery. Just in case, there's a section included to help - but try not to peek unless you really, really just have to! Trying to find the answer on your own is so much fun!

For Everyone Else:

Mystery lovers, puzzle fans, clue solvers, cypher fans, and all those who enjoy a rollicking story full of twists and turns will simply not be able to put this book down. You could spend literally hours scouring these pages for clue after clue, solving puzzles and brain-busters, getting side-tracked by several red herrings, guessing and second-guessing to try to get to the bottom of this mystery. The real clincher? This can be as easy or as hard as you care to make it, be you a kid, a kid-at-heart, or somewhere in between, or even well beyond. Take a crack at this romp of a mystery. You won't be disappointed.

Wrapping Up:

The Eleventh Hour: A Curious Mystery is a book that appeals to all ages and all kinds of people on all kinds of levels. Grab a pencil and some paper, grab the book, find some clues, solve some riddles, and have a great time.

Title: The Eleventh Hour: A Curious Mystery

Author and Illustrator: Graeme Base

Pages: 32

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Publisher and Date: Harry N. Abrams, September 1, 1989

Edition: 1st

Language: English

Published In: United States

Price: $18.95

ISBN-10: 0810908514

ISBN-13: 978-0810908512

Author Spotlight: Graeme Base

Graeme Base is an illustrator, author and musician, who knew even at the tender age of twelve that he wanted to be an artist. Born in England on April 6, 1958, Mr. Base moved with his family to Australia in 1966. He lives there, still, with his wife, Robyn, and their three children.

He grew up in Melbourne, and studied graphic design at Swinburne Institute of Technology for three years. From there, he went into advertising, but found it unfulfilling. During this time, he also did freelance work for book publishers on projects such as book covers. After two years, Mr. Base struck out on his own to do freelancing full time, showing his portfolio to various publishers. This ultimately led to the many children's books he has written, beloved by people of all ages, tall to small.

Though his books are viewed as children's books, he never intended to write for children. He has said that he writes and draws first for his own creative needs, then makes it fit the project at hand. He uses a variety of mediums to create his illustrations: airbrush, gouache, watercolors, transparent inks, watercolor pencils, lead pencils - in short, whatever will produce the effect he wants to achieve.

Graeme Base's first book, My Grandma Lives in Gooligulch, was published in 1983. It is written in verse, and has six illustrations. 

It was not until his second book, Animalia, was published (1986), that he received international acclaim. Animalia is an alliterative alphabet book whose illustrations set it apart from all the others through their incredible depth, with 1500 images hidden and embedded in each one. This second book took three years to complete, and has sold over 2 million copies worldwide. 

The Eleventh Hour, published in 1989, is perhaps equally as well known. It is a mystery in pictures. The author wrote and illustrated it with the intent that it can be enjoyed and solved by all ages, through many means. This book took two years to complete, and Mr. Base shares that he had the title idea first, and wrote the rest of the book to match that title.

Building on the phenomenal success of these early books, Graeme Base has written and illustrated many more books, each with the beautiful, intricate illustrations and creative verse his fans have come to love. 

Sources:

Graeme Base Teacher Resource File* Link no longer works as of April 2013

BBC Graeme Base Biography

An Interview With Graeme Base* Link no longer works as of April 2013

Graeme Base Biography

New link added April 2013:
Graeme Base: Author Program In-Depth Interview (TeachingBooks.net)

(The above link was not used during the writing of the original post. I just found it, and am adding it here since two of the four links I originally used are no longer working. I hope this new link provides some further information you may find useful.)

Book Review: Dirty Dog Boogie, by Loris Lesynski

Right from the get-go, Loris Lesynski invites the reader to join in the fun, feel the beat, and get set to be silly, in Dirty Dog Boogie, a poetry collection which she both wrote and illustrated.

Overview:

Slightly smaller than a standard sheet of paper, this slim volume is 32 pages packed with rhythm and fun.  The pages are smooth, and of a nice weight - so they will hold up well to repeated page-turns by excited little hands.  They have just enough of a sheen so that when pint-sized readers burst out laughing, the little bits of juice (from the juicebox they were sipping) that escape their mouths can be easily wiped off the pages, with little harm done.

The illustrations are bold, colorful, cartoonish, and definitely add to the silliness - a perfect complement to the poetry.  The rhymes have a jazzy, swingy feel to them that makes you want to tap your toes and get up and wiggle.  Kid-centric topics are the subject of each poem, and to aid in getting the right rhythm, the author has at times used strategic bold print.

The bulk of the poems are written in first person, from a kid's point of view, which makes it easy for kids to put themselves in the action.  Other poems encourage the reader to have fun with rhymes and feel the beat.  But, they are presented in a "Come join the fun" type of way, and not a "Do this so you can learn something" kind of way.  The author uses lots of word play, and shows the silly side of being a kid.  

All of the poems speak directly to kids, giving voice to their feelings, and especially to their goofiest of thoughts!  There is the quasi-philosophical discussion on sock fluff, for instance.  One can also read about puddles of sun, which is written so descriptively you can just picture it - even if the author professes to be unable to illustrate it.  There's more than one poem that tells all about how it feels to be fidgety.  (Something many grown-ups seem to have forgotten the feel of!)  So much fun and hilarity is jammed into these pages, that a child will be hard-pressed not to find something to his or her liking.

For Teachers and Librarians:

This book presents a wealth of opportunities for teaching a poetry unit - rhyme, rhythm, different types of poetic forms, different ways to read poetry aloud, etc.  The kids will have a blast both reading these poems, and listening to them.  The poems lend themselves well as frameworks from which your students can create their own poems.  In fact, the author encourages this - which you can see for yourself if you visit her website.  This is a welcome accompaniment to the book, as Ms Lesynski provides a ton of activity ideas, printables, and ways to have fun reading her poems aloud.  It's all there in pages she's created especially for you.

For Parents, Grandparents and Caregivers:

Ms Lesynski's poems are a delightful romp through the ridiculous and the silly, and your kids will have a great time reading these either with you or on their own.  Use it to turn their sour moods back to sweet, or pull it out to brighten up a rainy day.  Also, check the author's website for ways to increase the fun with printable coloring pages, and ideas for fun things to do together using the poems from this book.

For the Kids:

These poems will make you want to tap your toes, wiggle your nose, and get up and dance!  Be silly!  Have fun!  Read them all, and you'll want to read them again and again.  And then, you can make up your own poems, using the ones in this book as a guide.  The author's website has lots of other fun stuff you can do using the poems in this book, but be sure to ask your parents for permission and help, first.  

Wrapping up:

Dirty Dog Boogie has some great rhymes, and lots of opportunities for fun and giggles in a jazzy, swing-beat kind of way.

Title: Dirty Dog Boogie

Author/Illustrator: Loris Lesynski

Pages: 32

Ages: 4-8 years

Publisher and date: Annick Press (U.S.) Ltd., 1999

Edition: Second printing, April 2005 paperback

Language: English

Published in: United States

Price: $6.95

ISBN-10: 1550375725

ISBN-13: 978-1550375725

Book Review: Tap Dancing on the Roof: sijo (poems), by Linda Sue Park

Tap Dancing on the Roof: sijo (poems) is one of Linda Sue Park's latest books, published in 2007.  The title comes from a line in the second poem within. This book was chosen as a 2008 Notable Children's Book in the Language Arts, in the Poetry and Drama category.

Overview:

Small in size, but mighty in content, this thin, square volume of 48 pages is just right for toting along on an outing, and for resting on a lap for reading.  Smooth, glossy pages have a substantial feel to them, which makes reading it a wonderful experience for many senses at once.

The book begins with an introduction that gives the reader a brief cultural background as well as the accepted formats for writing sijo - a traditional Korean poetry form.  It is a helpful addition that gives the reader a framework of understanding, and prepares them for the treat that awaits.

Istvan Banyai's illustrations are a perfect complement to Ms Park's poems.  He adds to her words, giving the reader even more to imagine, rather than simply showing what's written. The drawings are simple, and use a limited palette.  The effect is quite striking, and causes the reader to linger a bit over the pages, to take everything in.  Children are depicted in both fantasy as well as realistic situations, all to impressive effect.

The sijo topics are exclusively kid-centric, and run the gamut from the little things kids notice and wonder about - like where all the unbroken sand dollar are kept, to rituals endured, but not particularly enjoyed - like brushing one's teeth.  Her poems turn mundane tasks such as laundry folding into imagined dramas involving reunited socks, and expound (in a simple, yet profound way) on life lessons to be learned from the likes of the lowly weed.  She even throws word play and vocabulary into the mix - including the little definition of a big, long, but fun-to-say word that kids would love to stump an adult with!

Perhaps most unique is the Author's Note at the end.  It is the perfect accompaniment to her poetry, giving the reader a further sense of the Asian culture in which sijo is rooted, as well as a bibliography for both kids and adults who are interested in learning more about this wonderful literary form.  The final inclusion of this section is very impressive - a tutorial which encourages the reader to try his or her hand at writing sijo.  She simply but effectively explains the process step-by-step, pointing out possible roadblocks, and inserting some help to get the inspiration flowing.

For Teachers and Librarians:

As a poetry form most kids may not be aware of, this book provides you with a fresh angle at which to approach poetry. With it's simple structure and with no rhyming required, kids will find it fun to create sijo themselves.  In the process, you can sneak in some work on syllables, rhythm, poetic forms, and Korean culture and history.  They won't even realize they're actually doing school work!

For Parents, Grandparents and Caregivers:

Reading these sijo will be as fun for you as it is for them. Poetry in general lends itself well to situations where you don't have a lot of time, but you want as much quality as you can pack in, and this book is no exception.  It may even encourage your little darlings to write a few sijo of their own, and you can encourage them to add pictures for even more fun.  You may even want to try your own hand at writing a few...

For the Kids:

This book is easy to read, and is not too long, and not too short.  Some of the pictures are funny, and all of them tell you even more about what's happening in each poem.  Can you figure out what the illustrator is showing you?  Plus, if you like what you've read, the author even has a part at the end where she tells you exactly how to write your own sijo. Kids have lots of ideas swimming around in their brains. Wouldn't you like to learn a new way to show other people just how smart you really are?  

For Everyone Else:

This book is a great introduction to sijo.  It also gives you a window into how kids think, which comes in useful more often than not.  The author notes that sijo has some similarity to haiku, in that the syllables are important, and the content, but not the rhyme.  It's a great way to have a simple creative outlet, and the tutorial at the end is easy to follow.  Learning new things keeps the brain active.  And an active brain keeps you young!

Wrapping up:

Tap Dancing on the Roof - sijo (poems) appeals to readers both big and small.  The whole experience of reading this book is at times funny, at times introspective, and always enjoyable. 

Title: Tap Dancing on the Roof: sijo (poems)

Author: Linda Sue Park

Illustrator: Istvan Banyai

Pages: 48

Reading level: ages 4-8

Publisher and date: Clarion Books, 2007

Edition: 1st

Language: English

Published in: United States

Price: $16.00

ISBN-10: 0618234837

ISBN-13: 978-0618234837

Author Spotlight: Linda Sue Park

Linda Sue Park has been writing poems and stories since the age of four.  Born March 25, 1960, in Urbana, Illinois, she grew up outside of Chicago.  This author, like the one spotlighted last week, did not set out to be a children's author.

Ms Park's Korean immigrant parents strongly encouraged reading - which the author has said is the most important thing a writer can do.  She remembers her father taking her to the library every two weeks, from the time she was very small.  It's no surprise to learn that her favorite activity as a child was reading, and re-reading.  She credits this love of reading with what makes her a better writer.

Her first published work was a haiku printed in Trailblazer magazine (Winter 1969) when she was nine years old.  Her payment: a check for $1.  She never cashed it.  Instead, she gave it to her father as a Christmas present, and to this day it hangs framed above his desk.  She continued to be published in magazines throughout her elementary and high school years.

After graduating from college, Ms Park started her career in 1981 as a public relations writer.  Two years later, she moved to Dublin, Ireland.  From there she moved to London, England and worked for an advertising agency, and taught English as a second language to college students.  She even worked as a food journalist.  But it wasn't until she was a wife and mother, and had been back in the US for several years, that she thought of writing for children.

In 1997, she started writing her first children's book, Seesaw Girl, which was accepted for publication the same year.  It came out in 1999.  She was awarded the Newberry medal in 2002 for A Single Shard, becoming the first Korean American author to win this honor.  In her children's writing career, she has published novels, picture books, poems, and short stories.  Most of her work is historical fiction that focuses on Korean culture and history.

Ms Park now lives in upstate New York with her Irish journalist husband, two kids, and their pets.

Sources:

Linda Sue Park homepage

Notable Biographies: Linda Sue Park

Wikipedia: Linda Sue Park

Scholastic.com: Linda Sue Park biography

Book Review: Where the Sidewalk Ends, by Shel Silverstein

If you are a dreamer, come in,

If you are a dreamer, a wisher, a liar,

A hope-er, a pray-er, a magic bean buyer...

And so begins the very first poem, "Invitation," from Where the Sidewalk Ends - Shel Silverstein's second collection of poems and drawings for children.  When it came out in 1974, it was hailed as an "instant classic," and received the Michigan Young Readers Award.  

Overview:

This book has 176 pages filled with all lengths of poems, from short and to-the-point, to three-page narratives, and everything in between.  The poems are, by turns: funny, poignant, irreverent, imaginative, naughty, silly, sad, enchanting, quirky, witty, giddy, and zany.  Nearly every one is accompanied by a drawing that sometimes gives the reader a bit more clarification, and sometimes simply illustrates what's already there in the printed words.

It is a collection that has something for everyone, from the littlest of kids to the oldest of adults.  There are poems that bring back memories, poke fun at life, and give advice - admittedly somewhat twisted advice, like why you should not pick your nose, or whether or not to believe that the world is indeed round - but the message is there... subtle, but there.  

Some of the poems tell tales, revel in silliness, make light of small anxieties, and give voice to outrageous things a kid would never, ever do - like bathe an armadillo, for instance, or make a hippopotamus sandwich, or spit from the twenty-sixth floor - but always wondered what would happen if they did.

Still other rhymes play with words, or make you think: Are we really all so different? Do I really want to grow up so fast?  Maybe some risks are good to take.

There are poems that describe quintessential childhood pranks (see "Hat" on page 74), and reassure kids that they're not the only ones to go through something - like bad days, thumb-sucking, older siblings picking on them, younger siblings bugging them, or learning how hard it is to try and be good.

Of course, no Shel Silverstein poetry collection would be complete without the uproariously funny poems that make you laugh out loud as you read about things like pants that dance, double-tailed dogs, eating with your toes, and the infamous Dirty Dan.

For Teachers and Librarians:

This book will grab even the most reluctant reader's attention.  It's great for introducing poetry to the younger students, and for including in poetry units for the older ones.  The poems are a perfect way to provide some welcome comic relief after a stressful day in the classroom - for you and for them!  With so many topics covered, it is easy to find poems to enhance a teaching unit of any type.  Many of the poems included can often give voice to a child's unspoken anxieties or feelings - things they just haven't found a way to express or understand on their own.  And, of course, there are plenty of poems to give your students something to think about, as well.

For Parents, Grandparents and Caregivers:

This collection is the ideal choice for reading together when you only have short snippets of time, and is the ultimate luxury to read together when you have oodles of time.  Your kids can pick and choose and skip around the book as much or as little as they want - a safe and fun way to have no rules, even if it's only for a little while.  And, there is never a dull moment reading it.  It's the perfect opportunity to have one, big, prolonged gigglefest with the kiddos!

For the kids:

It's fun to read if you know how to read, and it's fun to listen to if you don't know how to read, or if you just need a little help when you read.  There are all kinds of poems all in one book - some are long and some are short and some are in-between.  You don't have to read the whole thing in order, either.  Plus, the pictures are sooooo funny!  You can read all about the king who only loved one single thing, what it's like to write poems from inside a lion, how to make a stew out of you, what it is that Captain Hook must remember never to do, and a whole lot more.  If you like to laugh, then this is the book for you!

For Everyone Else:

This book will give you a glimpse into the minds of kids.  If you have ever asked yourself, "What are they thinking?" then these poems just might shed a bit of light on that subject.  Many of the topics may remind you of your younger self, as well. Or, perhaps the poems will make you think.  They might even cause you to re-evaluate what's really important in life.  But most of all, this book will make you laugh.  Out loud.  And who doesn't need a little of that every now and again?

Wrapping up:

Where the Sidewalk Ends gives the reader so many ways to connect, on so many levels, with so many poems to choose from, that it's difficult not to enjoy it.

Title: Where the Sidewalk Ends

Author and Illustrator: Shel Silverstein

Pages: 176

Reading Level: ages 4-8

Publisher and Date: HarperCollins, 1974

Edition: 1st

Language: English

Published In: United States

Price: $18.99

ISBN-10: 0060256672

ISBN-13: 978-0060256678

*To add to the fun, there is also Where the Sidewalk Ends, an album (CD) of poems from the book "recited, sung and shouted" by the author, which won a Grammy Award in 1984 for Best Children's Album.  If you've never heard it, go find it, buy it, or borrow it, and listen to the whole thing.  It is a treat that you simply cannot miss.

Author Spotlight: Shel Silverstein

Shel Silverstein never planned to write for children, and yet, that is the writing for which he is best known.  He was a man who wore many hats in his lifetime: writer, poet, cartoonist, songwriter, playwright, musician, composer, folksinger, screenwriter. 

He was born in Chicago, IL in 1930.  His writing career began when he was a GI in Japan and Korea in the 1950's, writing and cartooning for adults.  Later, he learned to play the guitar, and wrote songs for himself as well as others to perform.  Some of those "others" include: "A Boy Named Sue" sung by Johnny Cash, "The Cover of the Rolling Stone" sung by Dr. Hook, and "The Unicorn" sung by the Irish Rovers.  Amongst all of that, he wrote plays and films.   

It was not until he was brought to Ursula Nordstrom, legendary editor at HarperCollins Children's division, that Shel considered writing for kids.  His first children's book, Lafcadio, the Lion Who Shot Back, was published in 1963.  In 1964, his fourth children's title, Uncle Shelby's Zoo: Don't Bump the Glump! and Other Fantasies, was published.  It was his first poetry collection, and his first and only children's book done in full color.  When A Light in the Attic came out in 1981, it was the first children's book to break onto the New York Times Bestseller List.  It stayed there for a record-shattering 182 weeks.  

Shel Silverstein continued to write many other treasures for young readers before his death in May 1999.  Today, his books are published in 30+ different languages, and his work is loved by both children and adults alike.

Sources:

Shel Silverstein Official Site

Wikipedia: Shel Silverstein

Shel Silverstein Teacher Resource File
* (Sadly, the above link no longer works as of 4/19/2013.)

Famous Poems and Poets: Shel Silverstein

Poets.org: Shel Silverstein

Poetry Contest Winners!!!

The votes are in, and now, as promised, here are the top entries for the Bugs and Bunnies Poetry Contest!  I hope the two ladies who entered enjoyed writing some poetry this month.   

Congratulations to our contest winner, Theresa, for her poem, "The Journey Begins With Me."  Theresa received the most votes, and has won her very own Original Magnetic Poetry Kit. 

In second place, is Cloudscome.  You can find her over at a wrung sponge.   She has been writing haiku on her blog in celebration of National Poetry Month, and her entry is from one of her creations from her site.

Please read on to enjoy the thoughtful and lovely poetry of Theresa and Cloudscome:  

The Journey Begins with Me by Theresa 

As I lay in bed
Listening to His voice,
I know that everything I do
Ultimately is my choice.

Where do you want me?
Who shall I lead?
The Harvester, The Reaper,
It’s about the Word, the seed.

Will I do a good job?
Will I spread the message of Love?
I can’t do it.
My eyes looking above.

Where do you want me?
Pulled in so many different ways.
My mind is racing.
It’s like I am running in a maze.

I need direction.
Tell me where to go.
I am overwhelmed with commitment.
How will I know?

You are the Light.
You live in me.
I am your lamp stand.
Yes, people will see.

It doesn’t matter where I am
It does matter what I do.
PTO, ALS, ACS…
It’s all about YOU.

So, now I can get out of bed.
Confident? It may be.
But only with the knowledge that if I can’t
You will carry me.

A haiku by Cloudscome:

I would not
live without these tears -
plum blossom

Thank you to the entrants, voters and readers - I enjoyed hosting the contest!

Last Chance to Wax Poetic

The Bugs and Bunnies Poetry Contest is rapidly drawing to a close.  If you want to enter, there's still time - until the end of today!  I will be logging in again tomorrow morning to collect the entries and tally the votes, and post the top 5 entries. 

Remember, it's just for fun!  You don't have to be a bard, just someone with an itch to try your hand at creating some poetry.  What better way to celebrate National Poetry Month?

And now, I must go.  I did finally procure my coveted laptop after yesterday's unsuccessful attempt, and I reeeeeeeeeaaaly want to go set it up!  (Yes, I am a closet tech geek - not a very good one, mind you.  Not at all.  But I do so love all things cool and flashy and gadgety...) 

Only Four Days Left to Submit...

...to the Poetry Contest!  

Surely you have some poems just itching to be released? 

 April is National Poetry Month after all.  

Can't you just feel the inspiration floating in the air all around you?  Oh, wait... it's... no... that's just pollen.  Sorry.  But seriously, come join the fun!

Poetry Friday... with a Contest!

A couple of years ago, I really got into the Magnetic Poetry kits.  If you haven't heard of them, they're these little packages stuffed full of these little magnet strips that have words and phrases glued to them.  The kits even include words like "it," or "a," or "the."  You stick them wherever there's a proper metal surface, arrange them into sentences, phrases, whatever comes to you, and voila!  A masterpiece.  

When I got mine, I excitedly ripped it open, carefully separated each of the couple hundred or so words, and stuck them ALL OVER my fridge.  My kids looked at me curiously.  My husband just smiled and shook his head.  (He's been with me long enough to recognize the beginning of an obsession when he sees one.)  Then I plunked down right there on the floor, and joyfully waited for Inspiration to arrive...

I was soon joined by my two little lovelies.  We started scooting words around on the refrigerator door, creating a few short snippets containing the word "butt." (I just can't help it!  It's funny!)  Our impromptu poetry session was a blast, but was short-lived, as my kiddos abandoned me for their toys after about 20 minutes.

I stayed put, however, and though I am no poet, I managed to craft two untitled poems that didn't seem half bad.  Ahem:

I                       I sit beneath

watch                the milky moon

and                   and think about chocolate,

love smooth and sweet.

these Sadly, I have none.

my ...do you?

only

two

play

sing

cry

run

soar

part of me

for

all eternity

So, in the spirit of creativity, how about we have a poetry 

contest? (I've never hosted a contest before, so I'm 

modeling it on how Michelle organized one of her contests 

last month.) 

To enter:

1. Post your own, original poem on your blog. Your poem 

can be funny, serious, whatever moves you, but please 

be mindful that my kids read this.

2. Place a link in your post back to Bugs and Bunnies, so 

your readers can enter to wax poetic, as well.

3. Add a comment to THIS POST with a link back to your 

blog, so everyone can read your entry. Deadline 

for entries is Thursday, April 10. (I'll reserve the right 

to delete any submissions that aren't appropriate for 

my blog.)

4. Keep checking THIS POST'S comments section to visit the 

entries. Then, use my "Email Me" button (over there in 

the green right-hand margin) to cast a vote for your 

favorite poem.

5. On Friday, April 11, I'll post the top 5 vote-getters right 

here on my blog. The poet with the most votes will 

receive their very own Original Magnetic Poetry kit!

Please join in, and have fun! I can't wait to see what you 

come up with!